Chairman’s Report to World Skills New Zealand November 2009.

The last twelve months has been a stable period for the organisation. There are areas we still struggle in, but others where we are consolidating.

The model of shifting around the country, rather than being purely Auckland based has bought a stronger connections with the regions. Most regional committees are in a secure position with a reasonable volunteer base. Auckland still remains a concern in this area, but there are moves to split Auckland up and this should strengthen that area.

The International Competitions at Calgary went well this year and we did accomplish a break through with media coverage, albeit for different reasons than we expected. The tragic death of one of our supporting parents was stressful for all parties and our condolences go out to the family in question. I would like to commend our CEO, Peter Spencer for his professional and compassionate management style through this very difficult time. The incident had an understandable flow on effect to the team resulting in no medals, but the team did very well under the circumstances.

The lack of awareness of our organisation is still a major concern. We are known amongst the “converted” and limited knowledge by those on our periphery, but that is the scope of our awareness.

We have to do more work at pro-active networking and I will be working harder with our Board in the next twelve months to systematically network with Central and Local government politicians.

It is pleasing to see our relationships strengthening with Regional Polytechnics and various Industry Training Organisations. Further strengthening of industry relationships is the next phase and this will be conducted through our relationships with Industry Training Organisations.

The Board has worked hard in the last twelve months to get University level research conducted on past competitors and the impact our competitions have had on their lives compared to those who do not participate. The Universities have not taken up this challenge to date, but in the long run our persistence will pay off and this will happen – just not overnight.

Peter Spencer & I have met with Karen Sewell, Secretary for Education to try and get school level competitions operating. It is too early to predict the outcome of that concept, but the winners would be industry, the pupils, the vocational tertiary sector and World Skills New Zealand. Work will continue on this concept during the next twelve months.

The recession has had an impact on us, noticeably in the fundraising area, but under prudence guidance from our CEO we have survived reasonably well. It will take a minimum of two years more for the position to improve with any noticeable significance and we have robust procedures in place to ensure we keep (at the least) the status quo.

As a Board one of our goals during the next twelve months is to develop a more aspirational approach to the organisation.

We operate on an immeasurable amount of goodwill and plain old fashioned hard work from a large group of volunteers. The volunteers are our strength and what have bought us to the point of time and will continue to take us forward into the future. On behalf of the Board I would like to pass on a vote of thanks for your tireless dedication, your passion and belief in our young people. THANKS

The support from our Patron, the Governor General, Sir Anyand Satyanand and Lady Satyanand, is appreciated. They hosted a farewell evening for the team and as a Board we acknowledge their loyalty and interest in World Skills New Zealand.

To those who have taken the time and trouble to attend our AGM, thank you. Your presence symbolises your commitment and dedication to our most exciting and well kept secret organisation.

Finally I would like to acknowledge the work of our CEO, Peter Spencer and Sally Gray. They have worked tirelessly for the organisation for the last twelve months through the recessionary period, and the tragic death at our international competitions. They never complain are always positive and committed to the best for our competitors, judges, technical delegates, supporters and sponsors. Thanks for an outstanding twelve months.

Bruce Howat

Chairman