IABC - International Association of Business Communication, Wellington, New Zealand

An action-orientated communications specialist with strong skills in public advocacy and internal communication is required for the role of Communications Adviser – Public Awareness and Internal Communications.

A major function of the Families Commission is to promote public awareness on issues affecting families, and to be an influential advocate for positive change that benefits families. This position will make a significant contribution to achieving this objective.

Working within a small but dynamic communications team, you will have a significant role in a diverse range of public awareness projects. You will also be responsible for the Commission’s internal communications.

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The fourth AGM of the IABC Wellington Chapter took place on Wednesday 24 February at the Wellesley Club and resulted in the election of Michael Mead as President for the 2010. As immediate Past President, Shona Brown becomes Senior Delegate. The new Board for 2010 (roles are yet to be formally agreed) now comprises:

• Bridget Latter
• Iain McLean
• Brad Tattersfield
• Debbie Gee
• Amanda Woodbridge
• Emma McLeary
• Christine Langdon
• Paul Giles.

IABC Wellington President for 2009, Shona Brown’s overview of her full report follows:

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Our first Forum of 2010 promises an unmissable insight into how a small New Zealand industry organisation used smart tactics to successfully take on one of the world’s leading newspapers.

Last September, the New Zealand seafood industry woke up to a front page story in the New York Times which questioned the sustainability of New Zealand’s hoki fishery. It became the most read NYT story of 2009.

The online version of the story - on the most popular news site in the world - contained a link to the hoki species page on the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council’s website. This seemingly insignificant connection was the opportunity the Council needed to mitigate the story’s impact. Rather than enter the usual accusation-response cycle of news reporting, the industry chose tactics which garnered praise from media commentators around the world.

New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Communications Manager Sarah Crysell will talk about how the Council managed a critical media event in a multi-million dollar market place and the importance of understanding peer media and its emerging role in ‘the news’ industry.

When: Wednesday 24 February, 5.15 pm start
Where: The Wellesley Club, 2 Maginnity Street
What: Drinks and nibbles, AGM, Sarah’s presentation, more drinks and nibbles
How much: $20 members, $50 non-members
Register now (registrations close Friday 19 February.

Sarah’s presentation will be preceded by a short Annual General Meeting, when outgoing President Shona Brown will report on the year and a new board will be elected. Nominations to the new board must be received by 19 February 2010.

Watch out for our first event for the year ((last week of February - date coming soon) that will be combined with the 2010 AGM.  Nominations are now open for Board members for 2010 (close 19 February).

If you are a member of IABC Wellington, you are able to nominate or get nominated to our Board for 2010. Nominations must be received by 19 February 2010.

To nominate someone for the Board, please complete the form including the signatures of your nominator and seconder, scan and return to admin@iabcwellington.co.nz

iabc-wgtn_nomination-form-2010

And yes, the word “AGM” tends to provoke groans, but organisations  like IABC Wellington cannot operate without the group of volunteers who make it all happen. It is a commitment, but also lots of fun. Information about the roles on the Board is available on the Job descriptions page or you can talk to any of the current Board members.

Don’t forget, if you would like to be more involved but can’t make the significant time commitment involved as a board member, there is also an opportunity to register your interest in a special project volunteer role.

Distinguish yourself and the work of your team by becoming part of the international best practices represented by the IABC Gold Quill Awards®. Enter this global competition to receive the highest level of professional acknowledgment within business communication and become a legend (in certain circles).

• Early-bird deadline: 27 January 2010
• Final deadline: 3 February 2010

The Gold Quill Awards gala will take place on 7 June 2010 at the 2010 World Conference in Toronto.

All professional members will receive a copy of the call for entries via postal mail by mid-October. If you have an upcoming chapter event where nonmembers will be present, a limited supply of Gold Quill Awards brochures will be available in October. Contact Stacey Thornberry at sthornberry@iabc.com.

Complete entry details available in October at the Gold Quill website.

Get inspired! Check out this news story: NZ public sector wins big in global communication awards [April 2009]

All members and friends are encouraged to join us for a pre-Christmas knees up at the Backbencher, where Sean Plunket will be our special guest speaker.

Fresh from another fruitful year of verbally eviscerating politicians and other hapless figures of authority, Sean will give us his thoughts on the year that was.

RSVP essential so please let us know ASAP if you’re coming. Free nibbles and drinks til the money runs out, so don’t be late…

Date: 3 December 2009
Time: 5.15 pm til late
Venue: The Backbencher pub, Molesworth St (upstairs bar)
Price: FREE to IABC members, $20 to non-members (non-members please pay at the door)
To register: Click here - Pre-registration necessary for entry - please register by Thursday 26 November.
Please note: the Chatham House Rule will apply to this event.