As many Institute members may have observed, at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM), to be held on 31 October 2017, I will be handing over the EIANZ Presidential mantle to my Board colleague, Professor Bryan Jenkins FEIANZ. While it is sad in many ways that my time on the EIANZ Board is coming to a close, I’m personally delighted to be handing over to Bryan, who I know from long experience, is both highly competent and somebody who shares my passion for the Institute and its work.

As I’ll report at the Institute’s AGM in Wellington NZ, I’m particularly comfortable handing over to Bryan at this time. The EIANZ is in very good shape.

We have seen some pleasing increases in membership reflecting improved membership retention, and based on a some very good work by the team at our Central Office led by Nicole Brown. We have also seen growth in the CEnvP scheme, along with the delivery of more, and better, continuing professional development by local Divisions and the NZ Chapter. The combination of our employed staff and our active volunteer base, allows us to achieve amazing outcomes for our membership and the broader profession.

And we have a very solid financial position, which provides a great platform, and confidence, for EIANZ to invest and grow into the future.

I’ve very much enjoyed my time on the EIANZ Board, and prior to that on the EIANZ Executive, as both President and Treasurer.  It’s been a privilege to serve the Institute and its members in this way, and an absolute highlight for me in my career.

However, it is time for me to shift  my focus away from the Institute. I have taken on a role with the Land and Environment Court of NSW that requires more attention than I can give while also serving as President. The Court has been very understanding of my desire to complete my term on the EIANZ Board, and I’m immensely grateful for that understanding.

I want to thank Bryan Jenkins for his willingness and enthusiasm to step up and take on the role of EIANZ President. I also want to thank those other Board members who will continue to serve you, and support Bryan, through their on-going Board roles. The EIANZ membership can have confidence that its governance will continue in good and safe hands.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Wellington for the 2017 Annual Conference in a bit over a month where I will have an opportunity to reflect in a bit more length about our achievements across the term of the current Board.

Best wishes to you all, and thanks for your continuing membership and support of the EIANZ.