The North Otago Rugby Football Union reported a $33,000 surplus at its 99th annual meeting before Easter.
That represented a pleasing turnaround from a $60,000 deficit and reflected a ‘‘defining and highly positive year’’, union chairman Prescott said.
‘‘It’s been a fantastic year, it really has.
‘‘There are good vibes all round.’’
Prescott said the union, one of the smallest in New Zealand, had focused intently on boosting revenue and keeping expenses in line where possible.
Revenue grew 8%, accumulated funds also increased by 8%, and expenditure was cut by 4%.
The union was still able to report a 4% bump in participation, mainly through women’s and girls’ rugby, sevens and school initiatives.
‘‘When you see 700 kids running around at Awamoa Park, you get a real sense good things are happening,’’ Prescott said.
Karyn Reid and Roly Senior finished their respective terms on the NORFU board.
They are replaced by Old Golds great Ross Hay and Anjelica Matapo, who was co-opted on to the board as an independent last year but stood for election following a change in the union’s constitution.
Like the other unions, the wider assessment of North Otago’s year tends to lean on the performance of its flagship team.
The Old Golds showed some promising signs under new coach Luke Herden and played a thrilling brand of rugby as they won the Lochore Cup.
Two rather large events lie ahead for the union.
There is the exciting development of the Waitaki Event Centre at Centennial Park, the community-funded phase two of which will include replacement grandstand seating and office space for NORFU staff.
Prescott said the Citizens Shield club final and Heartland Championship games would return to the No 1 ground this year.
Next year comes the centenary of the proud union. Prescott said stalwart administrator and manager Duncan Kingan was leading the planning for mid-July celebrations in 2027, and a book was being prepared.
