Guild Updates and Future Plans

Kia ora wonderful member!

We have finally arrived at the end of another very interesting year!

First of all, I would like to thank the Executive and Branch Committees for their incredible support and for volunteering their precious time to the Guild. Especially Brendon, Sioux, and Tyrone. I would also like to thank Jane, who runs our accounts. Our new team member this year, Tracey Sharman, has been tirelessly working as our project manager and all things Tech! - I could not do it without all of you and the knowledge you bring to the table. THANK YOU!!!

Another big thank you to Graeme Tuckett and Jason Bowden for their incredible work on the NZTECHO magazines and for bringing us all stories from the set.

Now to our fantastic membership!!

You are our backbone, it was lovely to hear that so many of you attended the Christmas parties! Next year we will grow more and more and be able to support you all with what we have planned. So much has been happening behind the scenes here at the Guild this year. We decided to hold off on launching these in the New Year when everyone is back on board and ready to kick off the year.

In January, we have some exciting things: our new website will be launched, the first round of our Business Toolkit online workshops, and the Rate Card and just wait till you see what we’re doing with the Member Benefits!! A massive shout-out to all of the departments that have contributed to this really important work!

The revised Blue Book will follow this in early February. Another huge thank you to Brendon, Sioux, Christian, and Nick for all of the hours of work they have contributed to the new book. Exciting!!

Also, we will follow up with more in-depth information on the Screen Industry Workers Act and how that will affect you as a Production Technician.

The Guild is also in the process of making its submission for the Screen Production Grant. Most of the industry is on the same page with their recommendations, so hopefully, this will be taken into consideration, and the best outcome for the industry will be decided.

On a mental well-being note, I hope you are all taking time out these holidays to rest, connect with whanau and friends and relax. The past couple of years have taken a toll on everyone, and having some RNR is definitely on the cards.

Looking forward to the year ahead, mental well-being is high on our list of priorities. We are looking at programs that we can bring to the sector so we can all work in safe environments.

The office will be closed from Friday, 16th December to Monday, 16th January. So once you receive this magazine copy, I hope you are sitting at the beach with your feet up! I will be.

In signing off for the year, I want to honor those who have passed, fellow crew members, and those in the sector. Our hearts are with you all and always remembered.

So please take care, happy holidays, and safe travels, and I look forward to another year working with you all in 2023.

Aroha nui,

Kelly