The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) is proud to partner with The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) again to offer 9 scholarships to New Zealand's emerging business events leaders in the association industry.

The NZICC is passionate about the development of New Zealand's emerging business events leaders and are committed to the scholarship programme which promotes the professional development of association executives in New Zealand. This scholarship programme represents the opportunity to provide the successful recipients with the tools, the network and likeminded community needed to be able to enhance learning and progression of the individual's career within the association industry.

The NZICC is excited to be on this journey with each of the scholarship recipients and over the next few weeks will be introducing each of the recipients. Congratulations to all of the successful recipients!

Introducing...

Rebecca Mather

Technical Groups Manager, Engineering New Zealand

What are you hoping to get from the scholarship from both a personal and professional development point of view?
Connections. Latest knowledge and trends. Fun.

LINC is a great opportunity to make both personal and professional connections, it is so interesting to hear how other associations are doing and what is working for them. The value in the scholarship is the opportunity to be surrounded by and to learn from association experts and newbies alike.

Why did you enter the non-for-profit sector?
It is a sector that I fell into with my first internship, it felt so good to be across so many aspects of a business that is working to support, protect and enhance an industry or area. Working in this sector is a great learning opportunity and provides a real feel good factor.
We are all working towards something which supports us all to do good things in the world – that is what makes this sector so attractive!

Tell us a bit about your Association and why it’s good for the world?
We create greater connection with the industry and across society. We build greater credibility so New Zealanders have confidence and trust in the work that we do. We grow stronger influence with government and industry so we can shape and form the agenda on key issues. We generate greater public recognition for the fundamental contribution engineers make to society. Engineering New Zealand and the technical and special interest groups that I support are influencing the world of engineering.

If you could have a super power what would it be?
Teleportation! I could be in New Zealand one second and in Scotland the next – that would be pretty special.

What is your favourite part of the working day?
My favourite part of the working day is first thing in the morning. The volunteer committees I work with are often busy into the night planning their next event, piece of research or member support. When I come into work, I see a lot of that in my inbox – it motivates me for the rest of the day knowing that we do is enabling our professional engineers to do great things from themselves and their members.

What is your specialist skill or something you are really good at? This doesn't have to relate to your job!
Making people feel good – that is why I work in the not-for-profit sector and specifically engagement.

Introducing...

Joanne Caine

Communications and Marketing Advisor, Master Plumbers NZ

What are you hoping to get from the scholarship from both a personal and professional development point of view?

I’m hoping to meet interesting people and be exposed to new/different ways of thinking. Not-for-profit membership organisations often face similar challenges, so it’s invaluable to hear what others are doing to attract new members and improve engagement with their existing members. We always need to be looking for ways to improve our benefits and value offerings. I love learning and I’m always looking to upskill, especially when it comes to the benefits of new technology.

Why did you enter the non-for-profit sector?

I tend to ‘fall into’ jobs and entering the not-for-profit sector was no exception. Opportunity knocks and the next thing I know I’m heading down a new path. I’ve taught English in France, worked in television in London and lived in China before returning to New Zealand. I started working at Engineering New Zealand (formerly IPENZ) in 2014. It was my first experience of a membership organisation and I learned a great deal in various roles there. I now work at Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ. The big picture is similar - both engineers and plumbers work for the benefit of humankind.

Tell us a bit about your Association and why it’s good for the world?

Master Plumbers’ membership is business-based (not individual) and involves most of New Zealand’s registered plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers in both commercial and residential sectors. Not every plumber is a Master Plumber. Companies go through a Quality Assurance process before they can join our organisation. We provide benefits and a voice for our members as we advocate on their behalf on matters affecting our industry and their customers – the Kiwi consumer.

Our members play a significant role in protecting people’s health by ensuring the safe delivery of clean water and the efficient removal of waste, plus providing hot water and heating in homes and workplaces. Those are fundamental human needs. Try imagining life without those services!

If you could have a super power what would it be?

I was going to say teleportation so I could be anywhere in an instant but, after a discussion with my son, I’m choosing time manipulation. Especially the ability to pause time. However rewind and fast forward could be useful too.

What is your favourite part of the working day?

Brainstorming. I enjoy collaborating with colleagues to come up with either innovative ideas for the benefit of our members or creative approaches to improve existing offerings.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Probably in a job which doesn’t exist yet!

What is your specialist skill or something you are really good at? This doesn't have to relate to your job!

Embarrassing my kids. If it ever becomes an Olympic sport, I could be a medal prospect. I’m getting better at it every year 😉

Introducing....

Nicóla Green

Member Support Centre Manager, Motor Trade Association

What are you hoping to get from the scholarship from both a personal and professional development point of view?

I am hoping to learn the following:

• A better understanding of how successful associations are run
• Tools, tips and insights in how to see my team succeed and in turn provide outstanding member service
• Leadership skills and tools to bring out the best in my team
• Tips on how to increase member engagement and satisfaction

Why did you enter the non-for-profit sector?

We are not a non-for-profit – so this piece does not relate to our association.

Tell us a bit about your Association and why it’s good for the world?

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) was formed in 1917. It is the main automotive industry body in New Zealand, representing around 3,700 businesses that fix, fuel, buy, sell and inspect vehicles. Consumers associate the MTA brand with professionalism, expertise, safety and reliability. The MTA provides support, advice, advocacy, tools and resources to support our members to be successful. As an industry leader we are working hard to ensure the automotive industry is well positioned to meet the changes and challenges of the future.

If you could have a super power what would it be?

The ability to heal people

What is your favourite part of the working day?

Normally the mornings to have that little bit of quiet time to get set for the day. But really, there is no set time, it's more when I feel and can see the buzz and working around me of my team doing what they do best.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to see myself as a successful leader that is able to impact and influence people to be the best they can in what they do.

What is your specialist skill or something you are really good at? This doesn't have to relate to your job!

Communicating with people from all walks of life, creating a connection and being able to identify what they are needing.

Introducing...

Jason Goei

Education Advisor, Building Officials Institute of New Zealand (BOINZ)

What are you hoping to get from the scholarship from both a personal and professional development point of view?

Some things cannot be taught and must be experienced. As a young professional in the not-for-profit sector, I look forward to being a sponge and soaking up all of the experiences and ideas from the veterans of our sector and presenters at the conference. I look forward to drawing on those experiences to guide me through my own journey.

Why did you enter the non-for-profit sector?
The majority of not-for-profit organisations are small, meaning that individuals working in the sector must be able to perform several functions across different areas in the organisation. The not-for-profit sector interested me, as I wanted to sink my teeth into a role that would develop a huge array of different skills, both on a professional and personal level.

Tell us a bit about your Association and why it’s good for the world?
The Building Officials Institute of New Zealand represents over 1200 members engaged in building controls on both a public and private level. As the peak body for building surveyors, the Institute aims to educate and equip those in the building control industry with the tools to provide safe and healthy buildings.

If you could have a super power what would it be?
Teleportation, as my family are spread out around the world. Plus it would mean that travelling around the world would be free!

What is your favourite part of the working day?
My favourite part of the working day is the morning, as that is when I am the most creative. It is also always great to catch up with my colleagues on the activities from the previous night, whether it be the result of a pub quiz or the latest episode of Game of Thrones.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years’ time I hope to be completing an MBA qualification, while continuing to work towards my goal of being an entrepreneur.

What is your specialist skill or something you are really good at? This doesn't have to relate to your job!
I absolutely love to make things with my hands, particularly cooking, working on my motorbike and furniture building from recycled materials.

Introducing...

Cath Tate

Operations and Membership Manager, Tourism Industry Aotearoa

What are you hoping to get from the scholarship from both a personal and professional development point of view?
I want to be challenged, to learn, and develop my leadership potential so that I might become the ‘best version of me’. It’s important to me to keep growing as an individual so that I can apply new skills and knowledge, whether it be in my private or professional life.

Why did you enter the non-for-profit sector?
I re-started my career in my mid-forties. My earlier experiences, including running my own business, taught me than I am driven by purpose rather than profit. Another way of describing the not-for profit sector could be the “for purpose” sector.

Tell us a bit about your Association and why it’s good for the world?
Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) is New Zealand tourism's peak industry body, supported and guided by 1600 plus member organisations. TIA's vision is "Leading the world's most sustainable tourism industry"; our purpose is "Shaping tourism for the benefit of Aotearoa and our people". TIA is an active player, constantly seeking to shape tourism-related outcomes allowing the industry to develop in a sustainable way, which delivers tangible benefits for business, communities, government, visitors and our environment. TIA is striving to lead an industry that delivers a net positive good to Aotearoa and New Zealanders.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
To regenerate the fauna and flora that has been lost in the world due to unsustainable practices.

What is your favourite part of the working day?
Sipping my first coffee in a quiet office, before the interruptions and the unexpected that go with my role begin. This is the best time to complete a task that requires a bit more focus.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Applying my leadership skills and experience in a “for purpose” organisation for which I have a strong affinity.


What is your specialist skill or something you are really good at? This doesn't have to relate to your job! ‘
My first thought is killing indoor plants! However, I am currently working on being “really good” at dressage, described by Wikipedia as "a highly skilled form of riding".

Introducing...

Anne MacAulay

CPD Coordinator, Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers

What are you hoping to get from the scholarship from both a personal and professional development point of view?

I am still feeling fairly new to my position – and it’s fairly new for the Association too. We are feeling our way a lot of the time. One of the roles of my position is to encourage and support members to give back to their association. I am struggling to find ways to engage members and have them provide input across a range of areas.

Members drive our organisation – and members want lots of different services. I have a lot of projects on the go – some that will take a month or two, some that will last 3 or more years. I want to work out a plan that will help me strike a balance between keeping the long term projects ticking over and meeting the deadlines for short term or time sensitive projects.

I have been a tier 3 manager previously, but this is my first time in a tier 2 position. I am often representing our Association and our profession regionally and nationally. It can be daunting! I am asked for an opinion on a variety of professional matters. I need to develop skills to provide media comment and feedback. I have my own opinions and knowledge, but when I am commenting for the Association, I need to be able to express the opinions and experience of the members.

I am also keen to meet with other members who’s knowledge and skills I can tap into.

Why did you enter the non-for-profit sector?

I have been a member of the Association that I now work for, for around 20 years. This position was advertised when I was beginning to feel the need for more expansion, and to increase my skills. I have worked for a number of non-profit organisations in the past, and for large government funded organisations. I really enjoy feeling that I have an influence on what we are doing, that as an organisation we are flexible and adaptable and can make effective plans for our profession.

Tell us a bit about your Association and why it’s good for the world?

I work for ANZASW – Aotearoa New Zealand Association of social workers. Or course social workers are good for the world!!! We are drivers of change – on micro, meso and macro levels. We want to live and work in a society that supports all members, allowing them to reach their greatest potential. What’s not great about that?

And my Association is a great employer too.

If you could have a super power what would it be?

To be able to influence people to think outside the box, beyond the scope of what they currently know and are comfortable with, and to have a go, to take action, to just get started.

What is your favourite part of the working day?

I work from home and I don’t work fixed hours. I’m employed to work a certain number of hours during a 4 week period, but they can be at any time. I’m still not sure what my favourite part of this is!!

I like it when I get a phone call from a member who is stressed and upset and we talk things through and they are able to make a plan and work out what they want to do.

I enjoy the creative work that I am doing: developing on line training programmes, putting conferences and training days together.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

If I’m truly honest – I have no idea! If you had asked me 5 years ago what I would be doing now, I wouldn’t have thought of this ever! I hope I’m still working for this Association. I hope I am still doing the work that I am doing now. I hope I am seen as an influencer and a source of support and knowledge.

What is your specialist skill or something you are really good at? This doesn't have to relate to your job!

I often understand what the issue is for a person without them telling me, or know what they are thinking. In smaller groups or one on one I am good at picking up subtle cues and reactions, so I can get to the fundamental issues quickly. If I am then brave enough to bring them out into the open, we can more easily remove blocks and limitations.

I am quite analytical in working out how people think or process.

Away from this job, I own a farm and train horses, often working with wild Kaimanawa horses who have never had contact with humans. They are traumatised by the process of getting to me. This causes them to behave very like traumatised humans – some cope, some shut down, some explode, some attack. I have learnt how to work with them all – and how to teach a new generation of young people to work with them.

Introducing....

Nick Cottrell

Marketing & Communications Manager, United Fire Brigades' Association

What are you hoping to get from the scholarship from both a personal and professional development point of view?

I believe some of the best learning comes from simple conversations. Discovering new perspectives can be enlightening when you meet people outside of your daily circles. Diversity has helped expand my learning both professionally and personal - through participation in extra-curricular activities like Wellington Climathon, Sustainable Business Network and Meet Up groups.

Why did you enter the non-for-profit sector?

Cause is the most important word here. I believe NFPs represent part of ‘Ikigai’ or purpose - what the world needs. They tend to be driven by passion rather than dollars.

They're about social and environmental gain for the many rather than financial gain often for the few.

Tell us a bit about your Association and why it’s good for the world?

The United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) is 141 years old. That’s incredible! It’s reached that age through allowing firefighters a platform to share, gain representation, gained acknowledgment for their crucial service to communities and a go-to for those isolated and in need of support. Supporting firefighters ultimately helps them to support their community when things go badly. And these awesome people need so much support.

If you could have a super power what would it be?

Professor X’s mind powers. Subtle but powerful if you can change people’s actions with just a thought. Brexit and the US leadership would have turned out very differently if I had those powers (though I admit that’s manipulative and anti-democratic… woah this is getting a bit deep now).

What is your favourite part of the working day?

Home time. I’m not going to lie. Cats and wife win out over work and that’s healthy.

Late morning is best for productivity though and the afternoon creates a lull as the blood sugars adjust.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’ve given up with these plans/projections, once I moved to NZ. Never saw myself emigrating 6 years ago so I just roll with it now.

As long as I’m learning and growing in such a beautiful progressive place then I don’t mind where I’m at.

What is your specialist skill or something you are really good at? This doesn't have to relate to your job!

I’d say creativity. As an ex-graphic designer I think this is such a useful skill to have in a marketing/comms role.

Being able to articulate not just through words but visually can be very impactful. Being able to think outside the box, challenge assumptions and put yourself into your audience’s mind is crucial.

Introducing...

Alana Cuthbert

Business Manager, New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors

What are you hoping to get from the scholarship from both a personal and professional development point of view?

I am looking forward to having the opportunity to network and learn from fellow scholarship winners who are at similar stages in their career. I am also excited to hear from the speakers and mentors.

Why did you enter the non-for-profit sector?

The answer is more why I have stayed within the sector. I have worked for NZIQS for over 11 years now, initially starting in a part time accounts role as the job and the hours suited. I have stayed with the organisation as I really enjoy the variety and challenges that working for a membership organisation brings, plus I really appreciate our members and relationships I have built with them.

Tell us a bit about your Association and why it’s good for the world?

I believe professional membership in all forms is good for both the member and their chosen industry. The old saying strength in numbers comes to mind our membership has experienced good growth over my time with the institute. I work for the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors, and our membership as a whole are busy people who are involved in a very important part of our economy, that at times can face some major hurdles. Being able to support our members through our events and projects is very rewarding.

If you could have a super power what would it be?

The ability to slow time. A major part of my role is our annual conference which I love organising for the members. A year of planning and some long hours go into each conference only for the three days to rush by in a blur. I would love to have more time to stop and chat with all the delegates as they are a great bunch.

What is your favourite part of the working day?

First thing in the morning, especially when I am in the first one in the office. I love the clarity of the beginning of the day, I think my emails make a lot more sense in the am than the pm!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I would like to be continuing on the path to senior management within a membership organisation – preferably my own but I appreciate this may not be possible.

What is your specialist skill or something you are really good at? This doesn't have to relate to your job!

I think I am great at multi-tasking, and I am very good at being a duck – gliding gracefully on the surface but legs going a million miles and hour under the water. I enjoy member interaction and I am good at personal relationships. I feel honoured to call a number of our members “friend” and always strive to connect with them on both a professional and personal level as at the end of the day we are all human, we all have partners, wives, husbands, kids and oh so much more going on in our lives than just work and it’s important to acknowledge that and be more than someone who only wants to discuss your membership or being a QS.

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Introducing...

Natalie Rooker

Events Coordinator, Human Resources Institute of New Zealand

What are you hoping to get from the scholarship from both a personal and professional development point of view?
I’m hoping to meet lots of association professionals and pick their brains for best practice and ways to thrive and grow as an association.

Why did you enter the non-for-profit sector?
I’m not sure if I’ve ever worked in a for-profit sector…I went from the US Navy to government work (neither of which are very focused on making money!) so it was a very natural move to come to the not-for-profit sector. The thing I love about the not-for-profit sector is it’s often very community based, so a smaller group of people close by that you get to help with your work.

Tell us a bit about your Association and why it’s good for the world?
I love that we help HR professionals connect and improve themselves in their profession. I’ve always had a fondness for HR. They’ve constantly been the people who were on my side to help me so I’m glad for the opportunity to run the events and PD programme, furthering their professional development.

If you could have a super power what would it be?
It’s typical but I totally have that recurring dream where I’m flying, and that would be so awesome. As I’ve gotten older it’s gotten lamer as I actually dream about real things like physics, wind speed, and distances to where I’m trying to fly but would still be fun.

What is your favourite part of the working day?
I love doing face to face meetings, they can sometimes be rare so it’s so nice when you get to actually talk to someone in person (preferably for the customary kiwi coffee). For me work is especially about the people you enjoy having a chat with so it’s always a pleasure to just sit down and have a laugh!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would love to be in more active leadership position using the skills I’m gaining every day in learning how to best help the members of an association.

What is your specialist skill or something you are really good at? This doesn't have to relate to your job!
Organising my friends! I’ve successfully pulled off three destination birthday weekend trips amongst our group of friends, giving them the enticement of a booked weekend away to force them to hang out with me. This skill is probably why Events has come so naturally—I love bringing people together!

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