A big welcome back from what has been a hectic couple of weeks in politics, and on the home front.

The newsletter is back from a bit of a break with last week being tertiary holidays for the bulk of our Members, and with myself being in Auckland for work. You might have seen that Parliament played host to two conscience votes, the first on Louisa Walls Marriage Equality Bill, and the second on the purchase age of alcohol contained within the wider Alcohol Reform Bill. The Young Nats hold policy positions in favour of both marriage equality and in keeping the purchase age for alcohol at 18 across the board. The result of both votes bring in favour of our positions is a testament to the hard work and advocacy carried out by our Young Nats on these issues.

The challenge however is not over. The marriage equality legislation still has a fair way to go, and the Young Nats will be working hard to ensure MPs are made aware of our positions and arguments. The issue of alcohol use and abuse is also going to be hugely topical over the next few years. Young people must start showing some leadership on this issue. We must be

actively involved in a cultural shift where moderate consumption is accepted as a positive part of our society, and where binge drinking is an unacceptable strain on the taxpayer. We have done it before with issues like drink driving, so there is no reason why we cant do it with the our drinking culture. Young people are the group best placed to bring about real societal change on this issue. This will be my second to last newsletter for you all before the new Executive are elected in our upcoming Annual General Meeting on Friday September 14. All Members are invited and encouraged to come along for an evening celebrating the success of the Region this year. More information follows, as well as some messages from the National Executive and our local Members.

2012 Annual General Meeting and Executive Elections

Members will have an agenda circulated to them along with next weeks newsletter which will outline the issues and items up for discussion at the AGM. Also enclosed will be a brief timetable and guide to the election process. If you havent RSVPd for the evening please do so as soon as possible by letting me know at james.meager@national.org.nz. Advanced nominations for the Executive positions continue to be open until 5:00pm Thursday 13 September. Nominations need to be seconded by one other Member, so you may nominate yourself and have that seconded by another Member. Once advanced nominations are closed Members will be notified of the candidates at 5:30pm and advanced voting for those candidates (one vote per position) will be open until 5:30pm Friday 14 September. This is to allow those Members who are unable to make it to the AGM to still have their say on the leadership for 2012/2013. Nominations are able to be taken from the floor of the AGM, however it should be noted that those candidates will not be able to benefit from any advanced votes. An invitation summarising the event is attached to this newsletter and further details are available through the Members Facebook Group. What: 2012 Young Nationals Southern Region Annual General Meeting Where: The Bog Irish Bar, Dunedin (upstairs restaurant) When: Friday, 14 September 5:30pm - 8:00pm All invitations have been sent out and RSVPs should be directed to james.meager@national.org.nz. Members will be kept updated via Facebook and email.

Art Launch
This Friday 7 September, Rachel Bird (who happens to be our Regions Policy Chair) will be launching a stunning art event at the Temple Gallery. Over 40 items are for sale with drinks and nibbles from 5:30pm.

This is a great chance to support the local community and support the work of our Members outside of the Party.

NZ Womens Lifestyle Expo

On Saturday 29 September and Sunday 30 September the Party will have a stall at the NZ Womens Lifestyle Expo at the Edgar Centre in Dunedin. Were aiming to maintain our profile in the public eye, promote the Party and our fantastic local MPs. We also have some really great female MPs coming down to Dunedin to help us out and join in on the celebrations. It is estimated that 50,000 people attend this event so we do want it to go well. Our organisers need volunteers for two hour blocks over the two days (event runs from 10am to 5pm each day). Please get in touch with Rachel Bird if you are able to lend a hand.

MMP Review Submissions

The MMP Review is nearing completion and the National Executive would like all Members to submit to the panel in their personal capacity. Members are encouraged to submit in line with the Partys stance on MMP being that: 1. Any lowering of the threshold will adversely affect good, stable government; and 2. Removing the one seat electorate threshold would not improve MMP. The deadline for submissions is Friday 7 September and submissions can be made via the MMP Review website. Attached to this newsletter are some helpful talking points from the National Executive for Members to use in their submissions if they wish.

Young Nats Ball

The National Executive are once again hosting the Young Nats Annual Ball on Saturday 13 October in Auckland. The Prime Minister and a whole heap of other MPs and special guests will be attending. Its shaping up to be a really fun night and will no doubt be the highlight of the Young Nats social calendar.

Tickets are $100 per person or $950 for a table of 10. For those interested in attending further information can be found on the Young Nats Ball website or you can contact the organisers directly. Please note that Members will be responsible for their own travel arrangements and accommodation, however Northern Regional Chair Richard Skelton has offered to help out where possible so please contact him for further assistance.

Regular Events
Bog Quiz Team
The Pub Quiz team have rounded out the years with a final combined total of $160 in Bog vouchers to go towards the AGM and function. A huge thank you to everybody who has contributed to the successful team and were looking forward to starting up again next year and taking even more of the The Bogs generosity from them.

Virtual Tipping
Disaster! The ITM Cup tipping competition has hit a snag with most of our competitors forgetting to make their picks already. We might call this one a draw for everybody and look towards putting together a better competition for next year. The NRL competition rounds are over and its finals time. It is neck and neck at the top with Steveman one point ahead of us at the moment, and nobody else within cooey. To prevent Steveman simply picking the favourites and closing out the comp, well be making our finals picks based on gut instinct. With nine games to go its still anyones race.

Next week I hope to share some reflections on the year in my last newsletter to you all, but until then have a great week, and I look forward to seeing you at the AGM next Friday. Cheers, James Meager Chair Young Nationals Southern Region
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