Understanding the Techos' Guild Structure

Guild structure ‘101’

Kia ora all. For this issue of NZTECHO I decided an introduction to your volunteering committee and executive members was in order. Also for those of you who have never attended a branch or annual general meeting, here is a ‘101’ on the Techos’ Guild structure and how we operate.

The Guild is a non-profit organisation, and the organisation is in essence its members – you. It is run with an organisational structure comprising of a national executive (the ‘board’) and three regional branch committees in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown.

The national executive and regional committees are made up of people just like you, your industry colleagues who have volunteered to be on the committees. Unlike many other industry organisations, all our executive and committee members have worked in the film industry – at the coal face – so when it comes to decision making they call from experience in the field.

The role of the national executive is to look at how to best guide the Guild into the future, and is charged with the responsibility of laying out the parameters for the successful operation of the organisation.

The branch committees are there to keep in touch on a closer-to-home basis. Both executive and branch committees may organise local events and get-togethers like family outings, speaking to film schools or assisting the executive officer with workshops, benefits, and membership drives.

We then have smaller committees, which are formed and tasked for particular purposes, such as The Blue Book or Safety Code of Practice reviews. Additional groups may be formed for current issues that require group Guild representation.

Then of course there is myself, as executive officer I am charged with the day-to-day running of the Guild including immigration, membership, publicity, government liaisons, workshops and more. You ring and I will assist and advise.

So, in this issue, we introduce you to your elected representatives. There are 26 in total. You may know or have heard of them, if not and you’re on a job with one of them then say hi, overall they’re a pretty friendly bunch and are committed to the Guild and working to make our industry the best it can be. They are there to represent you and are always available to listen to your concerns or views and assist in any way.

There is no exclusivity to becoming a committee member (although there is a constitutional limit on numbers per branch) so if you feel you may have something to contribute have a chat to any of them or call me. You are not limited by your skill or age as the wider range of skills and experience gives a broader and true representation of who we are. Turn through to page 8 to meet your representatives.