As my term as President of NZISM comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude to you all. It has been an immense honour and privilege to serve as your President and to represent your voice over the past four ½ years.

Reflecting on my time in this role, it is clear that we have navigated some significant moments. In September 2019, when I took over, I had wonderful visions of what would happen next, yet in reality the early period was heavily marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was tough for so many of us, in ways we never imagined. But it had a silver lining. It was, in a way, an international platform for the breadth and scope of health and safety professionals. Essentially, COVID-19 gave us the strangest opportunity to demonstrate the critical nature of health and safety at work and I am incredibly proud of how NZISM and our members adapted with resilience and determination. We supported each other through uncertainty and continued to advocate for our profession despite the obstacles. Your collective spirit and dedication during this time were inspiring.

We’ve also completed some great work. Significant progress was made on the Tertiary Education Project. This vital work aims to enhance pathways for future professionals, highlighting the requirement for academic understanding alongside experiential learning. And today work continues on this project.

In a similar vein, the development of comprehensive guidance on the generalist pathway is another milestone aimed at clarifying the potential pathways for emerging professionals. This initiative sought to provide clear, practical advice and, hopefully, encourage more people into the profession. I believe this foundational work will continue to serve our members well as they navigate their professional journeys.

My role in helping support the establishment of the New Zealand Journal of Health and Safety Practice was another project of which I am really proud. Designed to be a kete aronui – a basket of knowledge of health and safety practice in Aotearoa New Zealand, I am delighted to see the development of this platform and greater dissemination of innovative health and safety practice. (You can register here if you're not yet on their mailing list.)

We have been raising our profile and championing our profession, and I was lucky to be invited to appear on Breakfast television. We are now regularly approached by mainstream media to provide context and comment.

And just this past week we have also exceeded 3,000 members: That marks 50% growth on the 2,000 members we had at the start of my presidency.

During my tenure, NZISM has also experienced a significant transition in leadership at the executive level with a change in our CEO. I want to acknowledge the passion and commitment of NZISM's inaugural CEO, Selena Armstrong, and the valuable insights and leadership provided by Jeff as he took the helm. It has been a real pleasure to work with both. Change brings fresh perspectives, and I am confident that under Jeff's hand the organisation will continue to grow from strength to strength.

He aha te mea nui? Māku e kii atu, he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.
What is the most important thing in the world? Well, let me tell you, it is people, it is people, it is people.

Of course, none of the progress we have made would have been possible without the dedication of many individuals. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Senior Leadership Team and Board members for their strategic direction and support; to our Branch Managers for their community building efforts; to the hardworking staff at NZISM led by our amazing Operations Manager, Sara, for their tireless efforts; and most importantly, to you, our members. Your engagement, feedback, participation and commitment are the very foundations of NZISM.

While my term as President is ending, my belief in the mission and potential of NZISM remains stronger than ever. I am confident in the continued success and growth of NZISM and I wish the incoming President all the very best in this challenging yet rewarding role.

Thank you, once again, for the opportunity to serve you. It has truly been an honour.

Ngā mihi

Robyn Bennett

NZISM President