The New Zealand Sign & Display Association has announced a policy of closer co-operation with PrintNZ, particularly with accessing PrintNZ's legal, HR and governance expertise. The differences between commercial print and signage, are acknowledged but, as technology brings the two closer, so too the Associations need to be in synch to better serve their memberships.
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| The NZDSA will be working closer with PrintNZ heading into 2023 |
In a media statement, from the NZDSA's Secretary Melissa Coutts it states: "Looking back on 2022 brings some great accomplishments for the (NZSDA) Association, which enabled a positive and motivating end to the year. With such a successful last 6 months to 2022, it has given us a stable foundation as we track ahead into 2023. Positive change is on the horizon, as we align ourselves with our fellow industry, Print NZ Association on a few common goals and visions. Whilst, keeping our own identities, we will be working alongside each other and collaboratively, bringing strength in numbers for representing our industries, more strategic thinking, successful events and better training opportunities. Thanks to Covid-19 and all the change, disruption and evolution it brought, we now have a great opportunity to become more aligned.
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| President of the NZSDA, Andy Lowe |
Some of the key changes to be seen heading into the new year are with events, now combining Print and Sign, for example, Golf Days, Women in Print + Sign, Regional Meetings and Expo. With training we hope that Sign will be included in a one-week Foundation workshop for new apprentices in both industries, as it has already been established and running alongside the Print industry with great success. We are also pleased to announce that our Apprentice of the Year candidates will be officially included in the celebration evening that PrintNZ hold once a year. This is an excellent way to reward and celebrate Apprentices, as they can come together in front of their families and work peers to be acknowledged for their commitment to completion of apprenticeship training.
Furthermore, PrintNZ has the capacity to assist NZSDA signmaker members with governance, including employment and legislative advice. This is of fantastic benefit, knowing that we have lacked practical knowledge in these areas. Our members can now look forward to having access to up-to-date information and advice when they need it.
Planning large events like the Expo with PrintNZ should come with many knock-on opportunities for both industry suppliers, signmakers and printers. Our industries' coming together to showcase a vast range of products, supplies and innovative technologies will only make our relationship stronger and the overall industry stronger and better for years to come.
Keeping it real, we will continue to hold the NZSDA Conference and NZ Sign Display Awards separately, as acknowledging the differences with the industry sectors is also important. We understand that it is our requirement to educate and advise on specific content and topics for all our members and also, most importantly, to recognise outstanding craftmanship and achievements from very talented signmakers across New Zealand, within a very diverse sign manufacturing industry.
Signing off for 2022, we do wish all our members and industry peers a fantastic Christmas and holiday period, and look forward to jumping on this rollercoaster ride with you all in 2023."
