HVIA CHIEF Executive Brett Wright has announced his impending retirement from leading national industry association Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA).

"It is with many great memories, fondness and pride that I announce my leaving HVIA," Mr Wright said.

"I have been privileged, firstly to have been given the opportunity to work for The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland (CVIAQ) all those years ago and then to continue to lead it over the last twenty years culminating in its transformation into a truly national industry body, HVIA, in 2015."

Mr Wright commenced his career with, what was then, CVIAQ in 1996 and took over the role of Chief Executive Officer shortly after.

During his tenure, the organisation has advocated for the heavy vehicle industry on many major issues and most notably through the transition to Heavy Vehicle National Law under the auspices of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

As organiser of the biennial Brisbane Truck Show, HVIA has showcased the industry for fifty years, including moving the show to its current home at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2011.

Mr Wright has represented the industry on numerous peak regulatory committees and working groups on issues ranging from Australian Design Rules, Performance Based Standards, Vehicle Modification to Workforce Development programs and National Training Package development.

"It has been a great journey and one that I will always cherish, together with the many wonderful friendships made," Mr Wright added.

"I have also been privileged to have worked with many great leaders of industry, all of whom have so wisely led us to our current position of strength and potential.

"CVIAQ and HVIA's successes are built on a great community of people who I wish to sincerely thank for all of their time and efforts contributing to the advances in our industry." HVIA Chairman Peter Langworthy thanked Mr Wright for his contribution.

"Brett has steered the organisation through a period of enormous transformation," Mr Langworthy said.

"When the time came, members were unanimous in determining that the way forward had to be as a national body, and not for a moment did we underestimate the size of the undertaking that would follow.

"Brett has led that project over the last three years, and put together an extremely capable team to build the capacity of the organisation across the country.

"I know I speak on behalf of all Board Directors, past and present, when I congratulate Brett on his exemplary and unselfish leadership."

Mr Langworthy said that HVIA is on track to deliver its strategic vision.

"We are looking forward to achieving the next stage in that journey. There are a number of key objectives that we have undertaken both in our business plan and in HVIA's forward strategy.

"HVIA will only be a success if we continue to listen to our valued members, bring the industry together and effectively represent them to government and other oversight bodies.

"The time is right for the industry to collaborate on increasing productivity and ensuring our innovation and manufacturing footprint grows to its full potential."

The HVIA Board has commenced a search and selection process to seek a suitable successor to Mr Wright who will stay in his role until his replacement is ready to take over.

"I am determined that I leave HVIA positioned as strong as ever and fully committed to ensuring the handover and transition to the new CEO is as smooth as possible," Mr Wright said.

"Once that has occurred I look forward to enjoying some quality time with my family and considering new challenges and opportunities in my professional future."

This article was originally sourced from Big Rigs. 

President of the Queensland Spatial and Surveying Association (QSSA), Ms Chris McAlister has announced the appointment of Mr Keiran Travers to the position of chief executive officer.

“The QSSA is looking forward to working with Keiran who is well qualified to bring about positive influence with the organisation and increase our membership base through providing value to existing members as well as opportunities for new members,” Ms McAlister said.

A former General Manager, Keiran Travers has managed a variety of businesses from mining, environment, waste as well as holding management positions in property and infrastructure. He has an MBA from the University of Queensland.

Keiran is currently the director and owner of Harbak which is a small consultancy offering services in Business Management, Business Development and Advisory services across several industries.

Chris McAlister added “The QSSA Board welcomes Keiran, and also acknowledges the great work of our outgoing CEO Darrenn Medhurst, who will remain with the organisation in an advisory role.”

This article was originally sourced from Spatial Source.

AgForce Queensland regional operations manager Paul Burke has been announced as the incoming chief executive officer of the Northern Territory Cattleman's Association (NTCA).

Mr Burke, who has worked for 25 years in the tourism and pastoral sectors, will officially take over from Tracey Hayes in October.

NTCA president Tom Stockwell says Paul Burke was chosen from a strong list of applicants.

To view the video, click here. 

This article was originally sourced from the ABC Online. 

For an association, the annual Membership survey can be terrifying can’t it? Whilst we have continual feedback from members through indicators such as new membership growth, retention rates, click through rates and event attendance it’s not until we ask the deeper questions, and to really listen to the answers, that we begin to understand if we are delivering that holy grail of “member value”.

AuSAE is the Association for Associations - so we should be great at this right?

The reality is we have exactly the same “pain points” as each and every one of you but our advantage is we are amongst friends and in the very unique position to bring the sector together to share common challenges and create collective solutions.

“The role of a leader is not to come up with all the great ideas. The role of leader is to create an environment in which great ideas can happen”, Simon Sinek.

This is our mission. To co-create a community where you participate, how and when you choose, where you feel at home and amongst friends. We haven’t got it right just yet, but we’ve made a great start and we’re listening.

Thank you to our members who recently took the time to tell us their thoughts in our 2017 Member Survey (conducted by our valued partner Survey Matters)  Let us share some of the results with you:

Key highlights from the 2017 survey include:

• 74% of you think our overall performance is above average with 54% rating it as good or excellent.
• Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a high 24% meaning that you are happy to recommend us to your peers.
• New Zealand members report a very high level of satisfaction with a NPS of 47%.
• 85% of members report a high level of satisfaction with our networking events, and 71% of members sighting “to network and connect with others” as the key reason for joining.
• 52% of you agree or strongly agree that AuSAE understands the needs of its members.

Some of the nice things you said:

“It gives me the opportunity to connect with people in my profession (associations) rather than my industry (healthcare).” VIC

“Good quality networking lunches - people turn up open to meeting strangers and talking about real issues” ACT

Some of the “areas for improvement” we have taken on-board:

“Communications to be a little more targeted. Sometimes it feels like information overload”, NZ.

“I would like access to an improved library of tools/templates which small associations struggle to build/maintain (governance, strategy, risk, comms, project management, contracts” ,QLD.

“There are a number of competing NFP associations offering the same thing. There needs to be a point of difference”, NSW.

Key areas we’ll be working on:

• Doing more to ensure we understand your key professional challenges.
• Evolving our look and feel to reflect who we are (This month’s new Insider format is just the start!).
• Changing our communications to ensure they are shorter, relevant and targeted – and not all about our events.
• More targeted events to engage every member at every stage in their career – look out for some new events in the coming months.

We are committed to “getting out there” and building a great association and invite you to join us. As CEO, I encourage you to connect with us and provide feedback at anytime. Please contact me on 0458 000 155 or toni@ausae.org.au – I’m here to listen.

Rydges Hotels & Resorts are proud to continue the partnership with the New Zealand Australasian Society of Association Executives (NZ AuSAE). As the exclusive hotel partner we are thrilled to provide a special discounted Day Delegate Package of $69.00 per person* that would be beneficial to AuSAE members while allowing us to showcase what we do best - provide a memorable experience for your delegates.

At Rydges Hotels & Resorts we are confident that we are the 'best in the bizz' when it comes to conferencing. With our unique customer focus, great food and experienced staff you can be assured your delegates will be very well looked after.

Take advantage of this special partner offer, available for a limited time only across all five Rydges Hotels. We look forward to offering our assistance and our expertise for your next AuSAE event. Let's hope the hardest decision you will need to make is what to choose from our delicious lunch menu.

Of course we need to add a few T's & C's:

• Applies only to new bookings for events and held between Monday 17th July to 30th September 2017
• This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or special offer
• Offer is subject to availability and minimum numbers apply
• Rydges Rotorua are happy to offer a discounted Day Delegate Package of $45.00 per person
• Please quote "Rydges-for-AuSAE" when enquiring with our Team and contact details are as follows

Contact details: Rydges Auckland - Katie_meek@evt.com, Rydges Rotorua - Nicola_mccarrison@evt.com Rydges Wellington - tory_yee@evt.com Rydges Latimer Christchurch - emma_dawson@evt.com Rydges Queenstown - Amanda_mckee@evt.com

The Soil & Health Association has serious concerns about another GE food line being approved in New Zealand – this time for six food lines derived from potatoes.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the organisation that controls food approvals for New Zealand and Australia, is calling for submissions on an application to permit GE potatoes for human consumption. The potatoes have been genetically engineered to reduce bruising, to reduce acrylamide formed during cooking, and to protect the potatoes from a type of blight.

Soil & Health is concerned about the growing number of genetically engineered foods approved for sale in New Zealand and the long-term and cumulative health effects of consuming them. While New Zealand does not grow any GE crops or animals, there are many imported GE ingredients in food for sale here.

“Since 2000 FSANZ has approved every single application for GE food lines, and there are now a staggering 71 different GE food lines approved for sale in New Zealand,” says Soil & Health chair Marion Thomson.

“An estimated 70% or more of processed non-organic foods for sale in New Zealand contain genetically engineered ingredients, but consumers have no idea because our labelling laws mean that almost all GE ingredients don’t have to be listed on the packaging.”

“In addition to human food, New Zealand imports large quantities of animal feed that is almost certainly genetically engineered, but again, not labelled as such,” says Marion Thomson.

While a FSANZ safety assessment on the GE potato application has not identified any public health and safety issues, previous FSANZ assessments have been shown to be incomplete, with an absence of biological studies on the impacts of the foods when eaten. Further, assessments have largely been reliant on industry assurances of safety, with no independent science to back up industry assertions.

“One of the main concerns about eating GE foods is that many have been grown with dangerous levels of pesticides,” says Thomson. “Many GE crops are designed to be resistant to pesticides. These crops are designated ‘safe’ for human consumption by FSANZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries, despite not having undergone adequate safety tests independent of the companies developing them.”

The best way to avoid consuming GE foods is to grow, buy and eat certified organic food, says Soil & Health.

The GE potatoes application is open for submissions from the public until 5 pm on Friday 7 July.

This article was sourced from Scoop Politics.

Data released today by the Real Estate Institute of NZ (REINZ) shows there were 392 fewer lifestyle property sales (-15.8%) for the three months ended June 2017 than for the three months ended June 2016. Overall, there were 2,088 lifestyle property sales in the three months ended June 2017, compared to 2,304 lifestyle property sales for the three months ended May 2017 (-9.4%), and 2,480 lifestyle property sales for the three months ended June 2016.

8,520 lifestyle properties were sold in the year to June 2017, 447 (-5.0%) fewer than were sold in the year to June 2016. The value of lifestyle properties sold was $6.63 billion for the year to June 2017.

The median price for all lifestyle properties sold in the three months to June 2017 was $601,250 and was $21,250 higher compared to the three months ended June 2016 (+3.7%).

Brian Peacocke, Rural Spokesman, at REINZ says: “Whilst sales volumes for the three months ending June 2017 were solid, the data released confirms a distinct easing for the month of June compared to the previous month and a continuation of the trend from the peak in sales volumes 12 months ago. Apart from a sound 9% increase in Northland and a solid performance on the West Coast, all other regions experienced a decrease in sales numbers during the month of June.

“The onset of winter may explain the reduction to a degree, but reports from around the country indicate a shortage of listings with the resulting tendency of some vendors to remain fixed on price unless a reasonable opportunity to progress to another property is available. Given the affordability presented by the current level of interest rates, the trends that emerge within the market over the next few months will be interesting,” he concludes.

Four regions recorded an increase in sales compared to June 2016. Wellington recorded the largest increase in sales (+24 sales) in the three months to June 2017 compared to June 2016, West Coast had an increase of 20 sales, and Manawatu/Wanganui saw an increase of 12 sales. Compared to May 2017, two regions recorded an increase in sales.

The national median price for lifestyle blocks rose by $21,250 (+3.7%) for the three months to June 2017 compared to the three months to June 2016. New record median prices were recorded in Nelson at $692,500 and Waikato at $687,500.

The median price for lifestyle blocks in Auckland fell by $130,500 (-10.1%) from $1,286,500 for the three months June 2016 to $1,156,000 for the three months to June 2017. Over the same period, the median price rose by 32.6% in Waikato to $687,500, and fell by 3.1% to $630,000 for Canterbury.

The median number of days to sell for lifestyle properties improved by three days in the three months to June 2017 compared to the three months to June 2016 to sit at 54 days. Compared to the three months ended May 2017 the median number of days to sell eased by five days. Gisborne recorded the shortest number of days to sell in June 2017 at 18 days, followed by Waikato at 46 days and Auckland at 47 days. West Coast recorded the longest number of days to sell at 152 days, followed by Nelson at 77 days and Otago at 75 days.

This article was originally sourced from Scoop Business. 

Property Institute of New Zealand Chief Executive Ashley Church has urged caution around expectations of an ‘economic bonanza’ fuelled by the hosting of the next Americas Cup regatta which is expected to take place in 2021.

Mr Church says that he absolutely supports Government and Council investment in the next Americas Cup Challenge – but says that expectations of short term economic gain are already being hyped to unrealistic proportions that are almost certain to end with disappointment.

Mr Church, who was the CEO of the Newmarket Business Association during the staging of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, says that event provided some valuable lessons around what to expect from an international event.

“Around 133,000 people visited New Zealand to follow the Rugby World Cup and spent, between them, $387 million while they were here – yet there was almost no economic impact on activity in the hospitality and accommodation sectors outside the main CBD in Auckland”.

Mr Church says that this was probably due to something called ‘displacement’ where New Zealanders and international visitors who are not interested in an event will ‘defer’ their travel plans so as not to be caught up in activities associated with that event. This means that revenue and activity associated with the event ‘replaces’ activity which would otherwise have taken place, rather than adding to it.

However, Mr Church says that an immediate economic spinoff should not be the only reason that Government and Council should consider investing in the Americas Cup. He says that there are three compelling reasons in favour of Government and Council support – and that all of these provided for a longer term payoff from the event.

“In the same way that the last Americas Cup, in Auckland, led to the development of the stunning Auckland Viaduct - hosting the event in 2021 will provide a major impetus to the development of new infrastructure on Auckland’s waterfront. Like the viaduct – this will last for generations”.

“The event will also provide an opportunity to showcase the innovation, creativity and business nous of kiwis – particularly in the tech sector. The demographic of people interested in the Americas Cup includes high nett wealth individuals and the cup provides leverage to gain access to them”.

However, Mr Church says that the main rationale for investing in the Cup is because of the way that it effects us as a country.

“Most importantly – we should invest in the Americas Cup because of the way it makes us feel about ourselves as a country. A nation that aspires to growth and success needs to invest in things that help us to see our potential and challenges us to do even better (across a wide range of endeavours). This is easily the greatest legacy of the Cup win and will stay with us for years."

This article was sourced from Scoop Business. 

Dr Helen Beattie, known to many in the veterinary profession as a valued colleague and leader, has been appointed New Zealand Veterinary Association's Chief Veterinary Officer.

Dr Beattie was selected from an outstanding field of professionals. She brings an unparalleled breadth of experience and skill that is vital to this key leadership role.

Helen is currently on the leadership team of the Otago SPCA where she is Director of Animal Welfare and a warranted Animal Welfare Inspector. This arms her with the necessary thorough understanding of the Animal Welfare Act needed for this role.

She also serves in a volunteer capacity as President of the highly successful NZVA special interest branch for Companion Animal Veterinarians and is a member of the executive board of the New Zealand Companion Animal Council and the New Zealand Companion Animal Trust.

NZVA CEO Mark Ward says Dr Beattie has a significant role to play on behalf of veterinarians across our nation.

"We are fortunate to have selected a professional with nationally recognised companion animal credentials as well as a broad understanding of the challenges facing New Zealand's rural sector," Mr Ward says.

"Most importantly, Helen brings the empathy for and deep understanding of our profession that we have enjoyed with her predecessor Dr Callum Irvine".

"I am confident that with Helen on board as NZVA Chief Veterinary Officer, we will consolidate and grow the critical position of veterinary technical and policy leadership, and stakeholder support achieved by Dr Irvine."

This media release was sourced directly from NZVA and written by Emily McKewen.

Bauer Media Group have named experienced media executive Paul Dykzeul as chief executive officer of Bauer Media Australia and New Zealand.

Dykzeul is currently CEO of Bauer Media New Zealand and has significant media experience across Australasia, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, the UK and South Africa.

Andreas Schoo, executive board member of Bauer Media Group said: “I’m delighted Paul will be leading Bauer across Australia and New Zealand. Having worked extensively across both markets he understands the challenges and opportunities which exist for multi-platform magazine brands in this evolving environment. For the past nine years, he has built a strong and innovative media business and is ideally placed to bring that thinking to Bauer Media Australia.”

He replaces Nick Chan who has left the company. Schoo added: “I want to thank Nick for the work he has done in helping to position the business for future growth and wish him the best in his future endeavours.”

Dykzeul has been CEO of Bauer Media New Zealand (formerly ACP Magazines) since 2007, returning home after spending 11 years in Sydney. During his time in Australia he held roles as director of international business and publisher for ACP. Prior to that he was managing director of Murdoch Magazines before moving to Pacific Magazines in 2000 where he held the position of director of international licensing and operations, and publisher.

Leading a team of 300 people he has grown Bauer Media’s New Zealand operation which publishes many of the country’s most iconic magazine brands from popular culture through to special interest and premium current affairs. It is also one of the fastest growing digital publishers and is highly awarded across advertising, content and digital.

This article was originally sourced from Magazine Publishers Association.