Auckland region events change pace

The New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Auckland Committee has seen a very busy six months, with a number of face-to-face events, making quite a change from the last couple of years. Auckland regional events held in the second half of 2022 raised almost $20k for charity.

As gathering restrictions eased in the second half of 2022, the committee were able to host their first Quiz Night & Mingler, in August. It was the first real opportunity to get face-to-face and reconnect with others in person, and members were able test their general knowledge for a good cause. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and those who were brave enough to bid, we raised $9k for the notfor-profit organisation ‘LegaSea’ who are working hard to ensure the sustainability of our fish stocks for future generations to enjoy.

Shortly after, in September, the Auckland Committee were thrilled to host over 100 players at the Akarana Golf Club, to enjoy a day of golf, connection, and fundraising. The event had been postponed a few times and, while usually an annual happening, had not been held for over two years. The day concluded having raised over $10k for the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

With the endless cancellations and postponements we have seen in recent years, it has been difficult to hold a successful event. Gathering restrictions have meant the Auckland Committee have had to think ‘outside the bubble’ to ensure their members are kept up to date with relevant information and given opportunities for learning.

The very popular annual Auckland LBP Day is a good example. The committee adapted quickly and once again hosted a successful event in an online format, allowing members to continue to upskill from the comfort of their homes.

“We had an incredible response to our online training initiative. Industry partners and suppliers were keen to get in front of our members while building sites were closed and, over the two days, we delivered six hours of training to nearly 500 participants,” said Chris Boyle, NZCB Auckland Committee member and main organiser of the Auckland LBP Day event.

While our past online events were successful, there is nothing quite like in-person training, so the committee is very excited to be hosting the 2023 LBP Training Day (recently renamed to Education Day), on 16 March at the Due Drop Events Centre (formally Vodafone Events Centre) in Manukau. The day will include training and presentations, with attendees moving through presentations in groups. This means builders can ask questions and learn from a range of trade industry experts. Visit www.eventfinda. co.nz and enter ‘NZCB Auckland Region Education Day 2023’ in the search bar, for more information and tickets.

“It took a while to get everyone’s confidence levels up regarding settings around golf club indoor activities and the late winter date, but we soon had enough registrations to go ahead,” said Peter Headland, NZCB Auckland Committee member and Auckland Charity Golf Day main organiser. “The Committee would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts and generosity towards this great charity helping our cancer sufferers through their unbelievably tough journeys.”

The Auckland Committee look forward to welcoming players and sponsors to the next NZCB Auckland Charity Golf Day, 9 November 2023.

The committee concluded a successful year by getting together with regional partners and members, over a drink, at the Wynyard Pavilion. It was a great opportunity to catch up and share plans for 2023 – which is looking no less busy, with more Auckland Committee events already in the pipeline.

MacGregor NZCB Auckland President