Hazlehurst spoke about the significant influence Toastmasters has had on her life and how it had given her the confidence to stand for the council and then for mayor.
She said Toastmasters has helped her to deliver the many speeches required in her time with the HDC.
While Hazlehurst has staff to research material for her speeches, the mayor writes the final draft herself.
Toastmasters has given Hazlehurst many other skills; she said the ability to listen was at the top of the list.
Being able to listen allows the mayor to build common ground and purpose with people with whom she may otherwise be in conflict.
Listening skills also provide the ability to give constructive feedback.
Forty-seven Toastmasters members came together to enjoy a night of food, wine and speeches to celebrate the Hastings club's 50th anniversary. Photo / Supplied
Author on not-for-profit law, Mark von Dadelszen, explained that it was during his participation in Toastmasters that he found himself drawn to his area of law.
Dadelszen specialises in advising not-for-profit organisations, legal firms and individuals throughout New Zealand on issues involving societies and charities.
Several former and current Toastmasters spoke of the significance of Toastmasters to themselves.
The District 112 director Wendy Wickliffe presented president Brian Mangin with a Toastmasters International Certificate, recognising 50 years of service.
Toastmasters has broadened its education programme beyond public speaking to leadership, management, and IT.
Learning a topic well enough to give a speech about it is an effective learning process; the new programme has been called "Pathways".
There are six Toastmasters clubs in the Napier/Hastings/Havelock North urban area and Central Hawke's Bay.
