Tēnā koutou ki te whanau,
Nga mihi o te ra. 

As we emerge from the most significant disruption to our way of working in generations, we are collectively figuring out how the ‘new world’ will operate.  We are, perhaps, fortunate that we acted decisively as a nation and got on top of the spread of COVID-19 quickly and effectively.  But, the inevitable surge of new cases that we are seeing is a reminder that we will have to find a way of living with a new threat to our health for some time yet. 

We know that we will probably be travelling less, especially overseas.  We will adapt to new ways of working.  Better connected, but further apart.  We might have to learn to do more, with less, as our economy struggles.   We will need to adapt to the changing needs of our clients.  We will plan, design, and manage spaces through a new COVID lens.  Generosity of space and separation, when we need it will become important. Our profession has a unique opportunity to be part of the solution in a post COVID world.  We have all been thinking about how we can get involved, from tactical urbanism masterplans, to new ways of working and urban space renewal.  Let’s help Aotearoa understand how a new world can operate in a post COVID era. 

As we were unable to hold the Presidents function in May this year, the 2019 Registration certificates will be presented at Branch functions around the country.  Look out for your local Branch gathering, especially if you know someone that was part of the largest NZILA Registration cohort ever in 2019.  Wellington held a function on Wednesday last week where their local certificates were presented, which was a good event.

Congratulations to William Chrisp, the recipient of the NZILA Vectorworks Landmark student scholarship.  William also received his scholarship at the Wellington Branch function last Wednesday.  Well done. 

Last week I attended the Nohonga design challenge presentations in Tāmaki Makaurau on Wednesday evening.  11 varied and interesting seat designs were presented to the Brick Bay, Britomart and NZILA Auckland Branch hosted event.  The five best were selected by the judges and will be constructed and displayed at Britomart before being moved to Brick Bay.  Thanks to Brick Bay, Britomart and the Auckland Branch for this excellent initiative.   

Now that we can move around a bit more, we have our 2020 AGM coming up in a couple of weeks.  The AGM will be held at 10am on Thursday 16 July at the offices of Boffa Miskell, Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD. It will be our first hybrid AGM, so you will be able to join the meeting electronically from other parts of Aotearoa as well.  Fingers crossed that goes well.  We have some important decisions to make in relation to Registration and also changes to our governance systems.  Please look out for the Remit information for these decisions and make sure your vote is counted, even if you can’t make it to the meeting yourself.  Thanks to Boffa Miskell for making your office space available.   

Looking forward to seeing you all as you emerge from your home offices, your garages and your sheds around Aotearoa.  Stay in touch and look after each other. 

Kia kaha,
Mā te wā,
Brad