SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre, Auckland NZ, a valued partner of AuSAE would like to offer an exclusive offer to AuSAE members.

SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre is ideally situated in the heart of the Auckland CBD and is recognised as one of the premier event destinations for both international and local multi-day events, banquets, cocktail parties, day meetings and functions.

Book a conference at SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre and receive:

1. Free pre-dinner trio of canapés for dinners over 100 Delegates: minimum Value: $1,460.00

2. $2,000.00 discount voucher off the total bill for events over $40,000

3. Sponsored AV – Screen, Projector, laptop, 1 x lapel microphone, 1x lecterns with microphone and 1 x remote clicker.

This offer is available on bookings made between 1 Jan -31 Dec 2016 and is subject to availability.

Please contact Tanya Dustin for any further information on +64 9 363 7143.

Dr Michal Kluger couldn’t be accused of hometown bias in his appreciation of Auckland as a conference destination. The Scotland-born Anaesthesiologist & Pain Physician aims to put his adopted city on the map when the ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists) Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) returns to Auckland, 30 April-4 May.

“Aucklanders don’t understand what a great venue it is, coming from overseas. It is fantastic,” Kluger says. “Conventions are a big deal. We have to push it. This is an opportunity to promote Auckland in an international forum as well as the content that is delivered. People coming from overseas are not just coming for the weekend, they will stay on. We really want to attract them to come out to New Zealand.”

The event, which rotates between Australia and New Zealand, was last held in Auckland in 2005. As convenor of the ASM, Kluger hopes for around 1,500 attendees in total, incorporating anaesthetists, pain specialists, trainees and researchers. A healthcare industry presence is also expected, thanks to a large trade element. “Registrations are going up - New Zealand meetings tend to be popular, the Australians like going to the offshore events,” he says.

“We’re very proud of New Zealand. You could say it is the little brother/big brother relationship with Australia - it’s not a competition, but we do want it to be the best event. We see an event like this as an opportunity to promote Brand New Zealand: New Zealand anaesthesia, New Zealand research, New Zealand food and wine, New Zealand’s landscape and hospitality.”

The trans-Tasman competition extends to the event’s social programme, too. A busy itinerary of Auckland highlights includes a food and wine tour of Waiheke Island, driving at Hampton Downs, golf at the Royal Auckland, an Auckland walking tour and even a scheduled harbourside run for those delegates wishing to keep their fitness up. The pick of the events so far, however, has been a New Zealand vs Australia race on the Waitemata Harbour on America’s Cup boats. “The race has almost sold out! We might have to do another race,” Kluger says. “But we have activities to cover all interests.”

At the cutting edge of research

National pride aside, an attractive destination draw has wider implications for the education element of the event. “We want as many delegates, as many people engaged, as possible,” Kluger continues. “An increasingly important part of these events is meeting these high-profile international and local speakers in person and talking around the subjects. You get a lot from the scientific discussions, but often the real value of a meeting comes from the networking, the opportunities and discussions that arise when you’re having a coffee or a beer with the other delegates.”

The 2016 ASM will showcase scientific presentations from leaders in the field from North America, Europe and Asia. Kluger notes: “ANZCA is recognised internationally as having one of the most robust multi-centre research structures for anaesthesia in the world. The conference will see the release of one of our major national studies in anaesthesia and pain management and this will be promoted widely. That is a big benefit for our scientific community.

“We are also really pushing the social media exposure at the event, with some of the presentations becoming available on the internet immediately. It will ensure New Zealand, and the meeting, are regarded as trend-setters in anaesthesia and pain-related research.”

Backed by local support

Kluger says excellent local support has been integral to the smooth organisation of the event. “The College, like many other enterprises, is doing more events than it used to, things an external PCO used to do, so we have that knowledge in-house. But we’re really doing it from Australia. The College and our PCO is based in Melbourne and I am the lead convenor based here. We have relied heavily on Tourism New Zealand and the Auckland Convention Bureau, part of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), and we haven't come across any insurmountable barriers or logistical issues.

“Tourism New Zealand and the Auckland Convention Bureau couldn’t have been more helpful. They were proactive too - they suggested things we hadn’t thought of,” he adds. “They were instrumental in coordinating our presentation at last year's ASM in Adelaide, providing financial support, graphics, LCD TVs with images of Auckland and a promotional video recorded up the SkyTower that was a major drawcard. They also funded a Maori welcome at the Adelaide ASM which was helpful in promoting the event. As well as financial support there’s been intellectual support - who to approach for advice and funding. We’re really grateful to them.

“The venues - the Aotea Centre, the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre - have been incredibly responsive, too. Major restaurants are opening that wouldn’t ordinarily. The French Cafe is pretty much booked out throughout the conference. The local support is great.”

For further information about Tourism New Zealand please visit www.businessevents.newzealand.com

The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) supports effective programs to ensure passengers and crew are protected from any ill effects of drug and alcohol issues in the aviation industry.

NZALPA is a foundation party to the aviation industry substance abuse recovery programme, HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study). The HIMS programme provides active assistance and direction to ensure any member identified with drugs and alcohol dependency issues has treatment and time off whilst in recovery. It is a cooperative body including airlines, the NZ CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), aviation substance abuse specialists and union groups.

All major airline carriers and air traffic control in New Zealand already carry out drugs and alcohol testing programs within their organisations. Testing programs typically include:

• Pre-employment testing
  
• Reasonable cause testing (suspicion)
  
• Post accident/incident testing
  
• Random testing
  

Drugs and alcohol testing already forms part of the system to protect the traveling public from substance abuse issues in aviation, but it is only a fraction of a much larger picture to effectively manage such issues. Whilst reasonable cause testing has shown to be anecdotally effective, there is no evidence to show random testing of pilots or air traffic controllers is effective in protecting public safety.

NZALPA welcomes the Government’s announcement of mandatory drug and alcohol management plans for every operator, and supports greater emphasis on identification and treatment of substance dependency issues within the aviation industry, rather than just drug and alcohol testing alone.

This article was sourced directly from Voxy here.

Various major national policy initiatives are underway to review and reform New Zealand’s planning system, New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) chief executive Susan Houston says.

These include the Resource Management Act (RMA) Amendment Bill, the inquiry and report on Better Urban Planning by the Productivity Commission, under Treasury direction, examining New Zealand’s system of urban planning; and Local Government New Zealand’s Blue Skies: Planning and Resource Management think-piece which reviews the performance of the RMA and provides many ideas for the future.

"The discussion extends beyond simply RMA legislation to an examination of the planning process and the possibility of change within New Zealand’s planning system," Houston says.

"The 2500 professional planners that make up NZPI’s membership are uniquely placed to contribute to the national debate and initiatives currently under way. It is vital that their expertise is recognised and their voices are heard if New Zealand is to improve its planning system.

"The deadlines for formal submissions to the RMA Amendments Bill is tight but NZPI has moved quickly over the summer break to survey members and provide some initial analysis and recommendations that will help New Zealand.

"NZPI expect to be presenting its members views on the proposed RMA amendments to the Select Committee in the first quarter of this year. We will also be contacting other professional institutes and organisations to test where there might be an opportunity for mutual support of submissions.

"NZPI will also be making a submission to the inquiry into ‘Better urban planning’ currently underway by the Productivity Commission. This is a critical and holistic piece of work that is welcomed, but again, it is imperative that the voices of planners and their expertise is recognised if the Inquiry is to achieve a quality outcome. 

NZPI has moved quickly to develop an initial position on the Inquiry. That position has been drafted as a think-piece which queries some of the principles of the Inquiry and hopefully stimulates debate within and beyond its membership.

"NZPI is determined to provide thought leadership on the future of New Zealand’s system of urban planning and planning generally. We will be sharing our thinking with our broader membership and with partner organisations including Local Government New Zealand, New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development, the Resource Management Act Law Association and the Environmental Defence Society," Houston says.

This article was sourced directly from Voxy here.

The government misled New Zealand workers when it promised to outlaw zero-hours contracts - and the Public Service Association’s deeply disappointed.

The Employment Standards Legislation Bill has been returned from Select Committee and National MPs refused to back changes banning availability provisions in contracts.

If the legislation passes, businesses can require staff to be available for work at all times without any guarantee of minimum hours or income.

"Zero-hours contracts are exploitative, and the provisions of the amended bill fails to provide the promised protections to workers," PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay says.

"In July last year, Workplace Relations minister Michael Woodhouse said zero-hours contracts were unfair and made it difficult for employees to plan their lives.

"He promised to get rid of them, and Kiwis believed him - so to see his government making them legal is very disappointing".

Since unions began campaigning on the issue, a number of large employers ditched their zero-hour contracts - including McDonalds, Restaurant Brands and Sky City.

"All around the country, businesses have made it clear they don’t want or need zero-hours contracts," Glenn Barclay says.

"But National’s choosing to enshrine them in law.

"The PSA calls upon its support parties to vote against this amended bill - and force National to keep its word."

This article was sourced directly from Voxy here.

The New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA) is delighted to announce that Karen Scott-Howman has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive.

Currently the Chief Executive at the Broadcasting Standards Authority, Karen brings considerable professional experience from both private and public sector roles. She has extensive experience as an advocate on regulatory and policy matters affecting the banking industry from her previously held positions as Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Advocacy at the New Zealand Bankers’ Association, and as Regulatory Director when she joined the NZBA in 2009.

Karen also has broad commercial, public and media law experience and a deep understanding of policy development, administrative and regulatory processes. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from Victoria University of Wellington, and was a commercial lawyer at Chapman Tripp in Wellington, and worked in leading law firms in Australia and Canada.

NZBA Council Chairman and Chief Executive of Bank of New Zealand, Anthony Healy, welcomes the appointment of Karen to this crucial leadership role within New Zealand’s banking industry.

“We are delighted to welcome Karen back to the NZBA. Karen brings an excellent understanding of the legal, regulatory and policy issues affecting the banking sector. Her previous advocacy experience working closely with member banks and other financial sector organisations will be invaluable to the industry,” said Anthony Healy.

“The NZBA provides a critical forum for our 15 member banks to work together on non-competitive industry issues, and plays a significant role in shaping policies that contribute to a safe and successful banking system for New Zealand. Karen’s industry experience and leadership will be vital to the Association’s role as an advocate for the banking sector and how it contributes to the wider-economic benefit of the country,” Healy added.

This article was sourced directly from National Business Review NZ here.

The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is calling for nominations from persons with suitable experience interested in serving as a Director of the Board.

Regional Director Positions will be due for election in the regions of:

- SA/WA

- QLD/NT

- VIC/TAS

Current financial members are invited to express their interest for appointment to fill this vacancy for a two year term commencing in May 2016.

To express interest for the Board position you will need to provide:

- a completed nomination form (click here to download);

- a statement outlining why you would like to be an AuSAE Director that is suitable for circulation to all members; and

- A current CV.

All nominations must be received by 5pm Australian Eastern Standard Time on Monday 14 March 2015.

Appointment to the board will be determined by election from the members within the region. Please note that the nominee must be a current financial member of the association on application.

Please click through for a copy of the AuSAE Constitution and By-Laws.

Questions and nominations may be submitted electronically or by post to:

Nominations Committee Returning Officer

Australasian Society of Association Executives

Suite 2, 67 Astor Terrace

Spring Hill Q 4000

toni@ausae.org.au

Have you ever contemplated the effect on your cash flow in the light of experiencing any or all of the following?

• Mains power to your premises is interrupted by roadworks cutting the supply cable and you are without for 24 hours
• The internet connection is interrupted by the same roadworks. This time it has targeted a different cable and may take several days to resolve
• "Someone" in the office has clicked on an "office" email attachment loaded with the RansomWare Virus. As a result all your drives are now "encrypted" until a BitCoin ransom is paid
• Your Senior IT Manager has just resigned "in a huff" and no one else has, or ever had, access to the master security passwords. This results in no staff being able to login to any system
• Your web site provider premises has burnt to the ground and you need to update the pricing schedule on the your web site or you will be selling items at less than cost
• A third party company providing a key component of your flagship software product has just upgraded its offerings and has now rendered your product useless. Your software is no longer fit for purpose and cannot continue to be sold, let alone supported

What now? We will cover this over the coming months...

This article was sourced directly from IVT.

“The Innovation Strategy announcement signals the end of an era for the charity sector as we know it. An incremental laggard mindset is no longer good enough.”

Catherine Stace, CEO of the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.

Innovation and risk taking are no doubt a risky business for not-for-profits seeking to challenge traditional operating practices and funding sources, in order to stay relevant in a quickly changing environment. With innovation recently flagged by the Prime Minister to become the driving force of economic growth in the commercial space, not-for-profits cannot simply sit back and hope this innovation revolution will pass them by. At this time, more risky than taking a risk, is to take no risk at all.

As the not-for-profit sector becomes more competitive, the need for innovation to drive new sources of funds and service delivery also grows. There is a direct correlation between innovation and revenue, yet the adoption of innovative ideas by not-for-profits has been slow. A key reason is the belief that the law will personally punish directors if innovative ideas fail. Often there is concern amongst not-for-profit directors that risk taking will result in a breach of their duties, and leave them exposed to personal liability.

A 2010 survey undertaken by the Australian Institute of Company Directors found that:

• (a) 73% of directors considered that there was a medium to high risk of being held personally liable for decisions they or their board made in good faith;
  
• (b) more than 90% of directors said that the personal liability of directors had an impact on optimal business decision-making or outcomes; and
  
• (c) 65% of directors felt that the risk of personal liability had caused them, or the board on which they sat, to occasionally or frequently take an overly cautious approach to business decision making.
  

The law has recognised the challenges facing not-for-profit directors, caught between fulfilling their duties and making ideal business decisions. Whilst it is important for directors to always be mindful of their duties under the law, it is also important to not let the fear of a breach of these duties define a not-for-profits’ operations and practices.

The business judgement rule operates to protect honest directors and officers from the risks inherent in hindsight review of unsuccessful decisions, and to refrain from stifling innovation. The protection is only available in the context where there was a duty of care owed, and the decision relates to a business judgement. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), a business judgement is defined as ‘any decision to take or not take action in respect of a matter relevant to the business operations of the corporation’. Importantly, this does not cover instances of oversight or negligence. Further, the decision must adhere to the four requirements:

• (a) make the judgment in good faith for a proper purpose;
  
• (b) do not have a material personal interest in the subject matter of the judgment;
  
• (c) inform themselves about the subject matter of the judgment to the extent they reasonably believe to be appropriate; and
  
• (d) rationally believe that the judgment is in the best interests of the corporation.
  

The director’s or officer’s belief that the business judgement is in the best interests of the organisation must be a rational one, unless the belief is one that no reasonable person in their position would hold.

Whilst this law applies specifically to companies, it is also encapsulated in Governance Standard 5(2)(a) for charities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

For not-for-profits that are incorporated associations, there are varying degrees of similar protection, which may operate to protect directors / committee members.

Though the business judgement rule does not apply in every instance, and only provides protection for potential breaches of the duty of care and diligence, directors of companies are also offered further protection under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). In legal proceedings brought against a director for negligence, default, breach of trust or breach of duty, that director may be excused for the negligence, default or breach in some circumstances. The Court has said that this protection operates to:

“excuse company officers from liability in situations where it would be unjust and oppressive not to do so, recognising that such officers are business men and women who act in an environment involving risk and commercial decision making.”

Thus, rather than the law operating to restrict directors and stifle innovation, there is scope for directors to take informed risks for the benefit of the organisation, without necessarily being personally liable if the risks fail.

As the sector looks toward the new year, with potential funding challenges, proposed mergers, service delivery consolidations and no doubt other unforseen changes, it should not seek to simply continue business as usual and hope to weather this tide of change. It is time to think creatively, embrace innovation and reward bold, new ideas. It is time to take a risk.

This article has been sourced directly from Mills Oakley here.

Like many Associations and membership organisations around Australia and New Zealand, AuSAE is going through a period of change. A new strategic plan was approved by the Board in February. This is supported by an ambitious business and communications plans for 2016. These provide a framework for AuSAE to continue to provide excellent networking and educational opportunities and also diversify our products and services based on member feedback.

Leadership, Innovation and reinvention form the main programming threads for ACE 2016, which is in Canberra on 24/25 May. Some outstanding key note speakers have been confirmed and there will be a series of practical case studies throughout the program to inform and inspire. Adding to that program is an extensive and diverse exhibition offering leading edge products, services and ideas for those attending. ACE will be the preeminent event in 2016 for Association Professionals and I’m really looking forward to seeing you there – so please register here now!