On October 18, 2023, NAWIC held its 26th AGM since the very first meeting to form the New Zealand organisation. This was held in Wellington on 29 April 1996.
Now with over 1,700 members (428 members up from last year) across 9 chapters, it is fair to say the organisation has experienced significant growth.
Chapters are now in Auckland, Waikato, Manawatū, Wairarapa, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Canterbury, Queenstown Lakes and Otago. To find out how to get involved with your local chapter, contact us here.
This was the year for Rebecca Hodges, outgoing President, to hand over the reins to incoming President, Colleen Upton.
Rebecca presented Colleen with the NAWIC korowai as she stepped into office as the NAWIC President for the 2023-2025 term. Rebecca commented that Colleen has been an inspiration and support over the past year.
“I was excited to hand over the presidential reins (and ceremonial korowai) to the amazing Colleen Upton ONZM. It has been a true honour over the last 2 years to have worked alongside our 91 incredible volunteers and our 3 superstar part time team members, across our 9 chapters serving our now 1700+ members. There have been so many highlights within our incredible community. I’m looking forward to supporting Colleen and the team over the coming year in the immediate past president role.” Rebecca Hodges, NAWIC Immediate Past President.
Colleen has impressive mana in the sector already, apart from being the General Manager and a Director of Hutt Gas and Plumbing where she has led by example as a business owner and employer for over 30 years, she is also a passionate supporter of apprentice training and increasing diversity within the wider industry. Nearly 30 years of experience in governance, has meant she has made significant contributions to the sector, including being the first female board member on the New Zealand Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, as well as currently serving on the Wellington Regional Skills Leadership Group. Colleen will hit the ground running as NAWIC’s next President, with big plans for the organisation, building on the momentum and hard work of previous Presidents.
“At the recent AGM, I received the enormous privilege of being handed over the Presidency of NAWIC. Having the NAWIC Korowai placed around my shoulders by the outgoing President, Rebecca Hodges was such a moving moment. Rebecca is an absolute powerhouse and just radiates passion for our organisation. She has brought us on an incredible journey and we now have an active National Council/Board ready for the next stage of NAWIC's growth. I am very thankful for all Rebecca’s help in preparing me for this role and for the help she will give me over the next twelve months of her tenure. A BIG thank you to all the NAWIC volunteers around the country for the hard work you do. I look forward to serving you and meeting more of you over the next two years of my Presidency. “Kō ngā tahu ā ō tapuwai inanahi, hei tauira mō āpōpō - the footsteps laid down by our ancestors create the paving stones upon which we stand today." In the Māori world view it is our past that always paves the way for the future.” Colleen Upton, ONZM, NAWIC President.
The AGM included the announcement of the new National Council members, who were voted in through an electronic voting system, Electionrunner. Members were given the opportunity to put themselves forward for the roles, and then several weeks to cast votes.
There were 11 candidates of a high calibre, 314 votes received. This resulted in two of the Council members voted back in with a newcomer in the mix.
Congratulations to:
Helen Russell and Liz Watson, ( incumbent National Council members); and Amanda Williams.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the National Councillors and the National Operations Teams for the work they have contributed in this period. I concur with Rebecca; it has been a phenomenal year with the National Council proud to be elected as the Governance Board with oversight to move this amazing organisation forward. We are privileged to be involved in this organisation and provide governance and structure within our core values of Include, Respect, Inspire”
Anita Varga, National Council Chair.
Rebecca extended a huge thank you to those who have resigned from various roles this year, for their service and contribution to NAWIC.
- Lenie Buis - Auckland Chair
- Kate Shaw - Canterbury Chair
- Willow Rolton - Queenstown Lakes Chair
- Helen Moate - Wellington Chair
- Monique Bent - Membership Coordinator
- Grace Jack - National Council, Emerging Leader.
If you are a NAWIC member, minutes will be emailed to members once approved. If you have any questions or don’t receive a copy please email secretary@nawic.org.nz.
A huge thank you to Naylor Love for supporting the AGM venues.
