Leaping into 2024

Kia ora koutou to all members and supporters of NZISM and welcome to 2024: A Year of Curiosity! On behalf of NZISM I want to wish you a happy and successful year, filled with growth, prosperity, and success in both your personal and professional endeavours.

For many of us, 2023 was a year of challenges and resilience in which the OHS community demonstrated its ability to respond to changing regulatory and legislative landscapes. Whatever 2024 may bring, I know that as a profession we will continue to meet it head on. NZISM’s new CEO, Jeff Sissons, joins us in a week’s time bringing with him a valuable background in law, engagement and advocacy. I am really excited to see what we can achieve as we integrate Jeff’s skill set into the NZISM mix. We will be further strengthened by Rob Birnie who joins the SLT as our new Risk & Assurance Manager.

As we dive back into work, it is important that we schedule time to focus on our own professional and personal development plans. (And yes, I know I say this every year!)

NZISM is committed to bringing you opportunities that will enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and help you to stay ahead in the ever-changing field of OHS. There’s lots coming up in the early part of the year, both inside and outside of NZISM:

• Our 2024 webinar programme kicks off on 7 February with “Piper Alpha survivor” when Joe Meanen will be sharing his experiences of the world’s worst offshore oil disaster.
• Local Branch Networking Events: Keep your eye on the NZISM events calendar to connect with fellow members, share experiences, and forge valuable professional relationships at networking events throughout the year.
• As an NZISM member you can secure 15% discount at the National Health and Safety Leaders’ Summit in Auckland, 19-20 March.
• The National Maori Health and Safety Conference (organised by Te Rōpū Marutau o Aotearoa) takes place in Hamilton on 17 April.
• Also in April is the inaugural edition of the online New Zealand Journal of Health and Safety Practice. Remember to register to make sure you get the notifications. It’s free!
• And don't forget the Women in Safety Conference, 2 May at Eden Park and livestream, in partnership with WISE.

It will be important to embrace curiosity as we navigate the unknowns of 2024. The shift in government, challenges faced in the public sector, and the rapid pace of technological advancements and global development all require us to be inquisitive and adaptable. Together, let's explore new horizons, anticipate changes, and proactively address emerging challenges in health and safety.

In 2024, we also want to celebrate your individual achievements – so please share your success stories with us. Whether it's a successful safety initiative, a project completion, or a professional milestone, your achievements can inspire the wider health and safety community. Email comms@nzism.org.

Thank you for being an integral part of the NZISM. Here's to a year of curiosity, growth, and unwavering commitment to health and safety.

Best wishes for a fantastic 2024!

Ngā mihi

Robyn Bennett
NZISM President

If you wish to contact me, please do so by email at president@nzism.org