NZISM Spring Conference Report & Photos(Oct 05)

The Annual NZISM Conference held in Christchurch this year was excellent. The Conference organizing committee members of NZISM, have been inundated with congratulatory e-mails, phone calls and faxes after organizing what many are saying was the best conference that they have ever attended.

 

Canterbury Branch Manager Neville Rockhouse described the event as a great example of a team effort. “When you have a dedicated team behind you, lots of good things can be achieved and the conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Christchurch was a great example of that”.  Aileen Wyld, National Treasurer for NZISM and committee member Janet Arnold, both dual Members of the Occupational Nurses Association were heard to say, “I think we nailed it !”  

 

This highly successful conference began with a very well attended wine and cheese evening on the 6^th of September with the conference getting underway at 9am on the 7^th. The conference was officially opened by Peter Townsend, CEO of the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce. This impressive opening was followed by the right honorable Ruth Dyson Minister of ACC and associate minister for DoL WG (formally OSH Service).

 

There were just over 120 people in attendance inclusive of the one day only participates, on each of the three official days of the conference.  These were great numbers when one considers that due to the earlier conference in Wellington, this was not supposed to be the official joint conference with the Occupational Nurses. Nevertheless, most of them turned up and were warmly welcomed as they always are.

 

Most likely the highlight of Day One was the Mock Trial that was opened up to the general public and representatives from many voluntary organisations throughout the Canterbury region. Two lawyers from Saunders & Company and David Moyal a Fellow of the Institute, put the event together. This was a scenario based exercise centered around a volunteer having a workplace accident and the case being prosecuted in a court of law.

 

This matter was presided over by Judge Phil Moran from Christchurch District Court and an expert panel including representatives from ACC, OSH and an the Challenge Events Co-ordinator Dale Coulter, who organizes the world renowned Coast to Coast Event here in Christchurch. This was attended by nearly 200 people and once again, was highly successful.

 

Judge Phil Moran also delivered a paper on restorative Justice outlining the principles as being an appropriate response for courts to take concerning health and safety prosecutions.

 

Day two of the conference saw a full day of presenters including a couple of excellent contributions from Ross Coulton from the University of Newcastle and Steve Young’s paper that was titled “Reaching the Cynical Bastards”.

 

The conference dinner was an unbelievable success. The event organizers Clive Greenwood assisted by Craig Blakie absolutely outdid themselves. They had mentioned to the organizing committee that the ‘WOW’ Factor would be high. They did not let anyone down with the conference center being ripped down and replaced with a hippy commune within a matter of hours after the last speaker presented. The decorations, lighting, sound, silent movies, lava lamps and costumes made for a night that many will remember for years to come. Local Christchurch Group Soul Cage performed all of the old favorites in the 60’s to 70’s night. Conference delegates really got into the swing of things with many coming dressed up as hippies and free love specialists as they danced the night away.

 

Day three began with the fantastic “Outwits” comedy duo that used the hapless Canterbury Branch Manager to assist them present a Pow-er Point Pres-ent-ation. (use an Italian accent). The outcome was hilarious for all delegates present for the whole hour. Unfortunately, the show has permanently put the Branch Manager off from conducting or participating in any future Power Point Presentations.

 

 

Kind Regards

 

Neville Rockhouse.  

Conference Photos

1. Presentation in progress

2. Trade Stands

3. Not our National Manager

4. The Organiser & friends

5. The fantastic band

6. Great presentation