Dr Anton Wiles
Yet another difficult year, in a world that may never feel quite the same. Once again we have had no choice but to take our Conference virtual, but have still managed to get at least a third of members participating. A few of our Australian colleagues are also joining us, but they ran their own conference this year, so we have not tried to emulate the incredibly successful meeting of 2020, where we had 30 NZ MEs and 110 Australians attending.
Other than some Peer Group activity (please remember that the Society will try to support groups to do this) the Conference has been our main focus, although we do maintain links with CAA so we can provide input and ideas where possible – that has been limited in the last year as they also cope with lockdowns, remote working, and staffing limitations.
I do want to mention Denis Lee, who has worked tirelessly for the Society, but who has recently stepped down from his role as secretary, and as a DME. Thank you for all you have done, Denis.
I am stepping down as President at this AGM, but maintaining my work as an ME, and will still be in the Society. For a group with a small membership, it does have a role and ongoing function, with possibilities for more to be done. I wish the new President and Committee well.