Kia ora koutou
Introduction
As the end of the year approaches, it gives me the opportunity to reflect on the past twelve months and activities of the NZGS and the Management Committee. This time last year, I committed to focus on three themes, namely:
- Training and CPD opportunities for our members through presentations, webinars, workshops, and mini-Symposia,
- Technical projects that include developing and supporting guidance documents, and
- Collaboration with the New Zealand Technical Societies (SESOC and NZSEE) and internationally through our representatives (ISRM, ISSMGE and IAEG).
For the most part, the Management Committee has met and exceeded my expectations. It has been an honour to work alongside such a great group of committed NZGS members. At the risk of forgetting something important, I would like to share some of the exciting activities we have been able to provide.
YGP Mini-Symposia
This year we had four extremely successful regional mini symposia across New Zealand, with what may be the largest total number of delegates to date. In total we had 70 YGPs present at the four mini symposia. A big thank you to Tommy Lam, Josef Berry, Blair Matheson (Auckland and Northland), Rhiannon Robinson, Alex Zohrab (Waikato and Bay of Plenty), Meenakshi Patel, Theo Calkin (Wellington), Izzy Raziff, and Tom Tremain (Christchurch). Thank you to the mentors and NZGS representatives for their time supporting the next generation of geo-professionals.
Climate Change Symposium
The NZGS in partnership with Engineering New Zealand and MBIE hosted the second symposium to discuss the role of geo-professionals in climate change. The symposium was held on Wednesday 23 October 2024 as a hybrid event with linked hubs in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Tauranga. Thank you to Martin Larisch and his team of; Kiran Saligame, Liam Wotherspoon, Kim de Graaf, Natasha Jokhan, Caitlin Oliver, Teresa Roetman and Sen Varul who made the event a great success.
Management Committee Meeting – September
In Christchurch, on 25th September, we had a jam-packed meeting where our newly minted international society young professional’s coordinators, Lauren Foote (IAEG), Meenakshi Patel (ISSMGE) and Mohamud Hassan (ISRM), were able to join us and introduce themselves.
At that meeting we also had a special guest from the AGS. Tim Thompson (National Chair) was able to share with us the new AGS not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, and the change process. The Special Resolution 2024/1 received 97% support and has now been officially approved. It is important to NZGS that we continue to have a strong relationship with AGS and explore opportunities to collaborate more particularly on international conferences. The day following our meeting, Tim, Eleni and I were fortunate to have a tour of Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch the venue for our ANZ2028 Conference (see photo)
CPEng Rules Change Consultation
On 5 September, Jodi Caughley (General Manager Strategy – Engineering New Zealand) presented to the Management Committee the proposed CPEng Rules Changes. We remain concerned about the status of the PEngGeol post-nominal and are currently preparing to respond with a letter from NZGS. EngNZ has released for comment the “Rules Change Consultation Document”, which I hope you have had an opportunity to voice your thoughts directly.
NZGS Strategic Planning Day
On Wednesday 30 October the NZGS Management Committee met in Auckland for a full day for a strategy planning session. The workshop was facilitated by Marshall Cowley (Executive Team Coaching at ODI). We developed a draft NZGS Strategy Map and Strategic Prioritization for the next stage (creating initiatives). We now have some tools on how we manage member engagement and execution and meet some of our audacious goals. The day of workshopping was exhausting but well worthwhile and I was very proud of the contributions from all of the Management Committee. Thank you.
Looking Towards 2025
2025 is looking like another busy year. The highlight is likely to be the NZGS Symposium 2025, to be held in October. I recently joined Emilia at one of the organizing meetings and was amazed to experience for myself the great work that the team has been doing. Our sponsorship is already fully subscribed.
Next year we will also be holding a Special General Meeting (SGM) solely to Discuss and Approve Re-registration of the NZGS under the Incorporated Societies Register. The purpose, to maintain the NZGS’s status as an incorporated society and to retain our charitable status with the Charities Commission. More information and our new rules will be shared with our members in the coming months.
Holidays
I hope that you take the time in the next few months to relax, spend time with family and friends and enjoy the fine summer weather.
Noho ora mai,
Philip Robins
Chair 2024-2025
Mobile: +64 27 707 93900
