NZSDA reports financial results and plans for the future at 2023 AGM

The NZSDA held its 2023 AGM at the Due Drop Event Centre, Auckland July 5 2023.

The NZSDA reported total income of $300,475 up from $277,526 the previous year. It reported a net deficit of $26,659 compared with a net surplus of $8,565 in 2022, which is primarily a result of prepayments for the 2023 Sign and Print Expo, the first trade show since 2018.

As of April 1 2023 the NZSDA had 195 members, comprising 160 sign makers, and 35 associates, including 9 new members.

Outgoing President Andy Lowe highlighted some of the successes of 2022 including the reintroduction of regional meetings, and the 2022 Conference and Awards Night in Queenstown, which had exceptionally positive feedback by all who attended.  He welcomed new board members Logan Sutton from Future Grafix as Vice President and Leanne Freeman from Sign FX Auckland as an advisory board member. Lowe also thanked Paul Walters for his ongoing passion and commitment to the NZSDA board as he steps away after ten years of continuous service.

Incoming President Shae Goom Signwise Wellington, spoke about the plans for the next 12 months including hiring another full-time resource to replace Alicia and provide more support to Melissa Coutts.

Regional meetings will continue and there will be an increase in 1 on 1 meetings with members as these discussions provide valuable feedback to the board. There will be a continued focus and commitment of resources  to the Signee Program through Laura McConchie, Signee NZ Training and Communication Manager, including creating micro credentials which are small bite size programs which enable people to upskill and create a pathways in the industry. Other initiatives include the introduction of Recognition Certificates for members celebrating 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. The Master Sign Makers Accreditation will also be enhanced with a key objective being to engage more skilled sign makers to contribute more to the development of the industry.

The 2024 NZSDA Conference dates were also announced with the event scheduled for June 11 – 16 in Napier.