NZILA President’s review of 2022

NZILA President’s message – Kavita Deobhakta

My first year as President has been an interesting and challenging one.

Covid-19, working from home, and traffic light settings restricting gatherings were characteristic of some of the many issues facing the committee and the executive.

However, 2022 was a successful year, largely due to the tireless work of the National Committee that is committing to delivering focused, accessible learning and social events for NZILA members. I welcome Petra Lucioli as Vice President and thank Myles Noble for his work as Past President.

NZILA’s membership remains steady with more than 500 registered members. To take account of the disruption caused by the initial lockdown periods, members enjoyed free membership and free access to online webinars and training during 2020/21.

Sadly the 2020 conference was postponed, not once but twice, but I am happy to report that all horses are in the draw for September 2022 in Queenstown. The countdown begins.

Maree Cowan and her committee of both Queenstown locals and national representatives have overcome significant adversity to deliver us the conference and we thank them for their fortitude.

We have been very lucky to have the online subcommittee and I am indebted to them for their dedication to presenting online learning for members at a time when most offices were still working from home. My thanks to Jonathan Scragg, Craig Langstone, Monica Maharaj, Geraldine Wishart and Frank Rose.

I also thank the Insurance Council of New Zealand for its continued support of the Auckland Liability Discussion Group and highlight the very successful (and fun) Meet the Leaders event. The event was supported by senior members of the industry and feedback obtained from members was extremely positive.

AIDA is hosting a World Insurance Congress (WICA) in Melbourne, Australia, in 2023. Former NZILA President Jonathan Scragg and I have been invited to participate in a working party to settle the format and program for the World Congress.

I wholeheartedly encourage those able to attend WICA to book their tickets, secure their registration and be prepared to enjoy what will possibly be the southern hemisphere’s only opportunity to host such a prestigious and fun event.

All going well, I will be there to lead the New Zealand contingent and ensure the conference is relevant and interesting for our members.

I look forward to hosting AILA Vice-President Melanie Quixley at this year’s NZILA conference. We continue to share the Resolve publication with AILA and the editor, Kate Tilley, will also attend and cover the Queenstown conference in Resolve.

Finally, my sincere thanks to our National Committee and especially the executive team of Frank Rose, Leon Briggs and Petra Lucioli. We have also enjoyed ongoing support from our Secretariat, Tom, Dick & Harry (Nicky Remkes and Carolyn Kay).

Thank you also to Richie Flinn, Megan Gall and Keegan Harpur who have considerably strengthened our Wellington and Christchurch chapters.