Just like yesteryear

Over the past 12 months, the Master Joiners has been slowly digitizing historical records from past tenures. For those of us who have a penchant for history and like to learn from those who have gone before, these minutes bring to mind the spirit of the joinery practitioner, the purveyor of fine timber legacy products.

The variance in language used to describe, express, and emphasise views, opinions and goals is quite an experience to read. Certainly, there is a sense of laughter emanating from the page as in one instance a comment was recorded as ‘oh, I hoped we would hear some good news’, having finished listening to a speaker at conference. You can imagine the feeling in the room as others responded to the repartee. The delegates at that meeting freely asked questions representing total immersion in topical issues. One gets a sense of the unanimity of the joinery practitioners in attendance and a cohesiveness on matters of importance.

Fast forward to today, and those topical issues are of a similar nature, and equally as important to the joinery profession. Each of our regions remain a constant source of knowledge sharing and networking, supporting local members. The annual Master Joiners conference is then provided to broaden the knowledge sharing and the connectivity of the joinery profession. It is also the place where insights are shared, as a creative and innovative profession, there’s no place like conference to be among those who ‘get you’. When broken down from yesteryear to today, the core purpose of Master Joiners remains the same, its values are support, professionalism, education, excellence, and representation.

As with those who have gone before, Master Joiners members provide camaraderie and mentoring, ethics, standards, and inclusion. Add to that professional development which supports businesses in retaining talent, and an awards program which demonstrates the quality of timber legacy products. Now season that with a quality associate member network of suppliers who do what they can to deliver high value service and products. Hardware options, timber varieties, panels products or business support; check out the back pages of this magazine to see that network.

The Master Joiners annual conference 2023 will be held at the Takina Events Centre, Wellington on May 25 - 27 with the annual excellence awards set for the night of May 27th. The program can be found on the Master Joiners website and includes some new in event options. The quiz will also be back with delegates encouraged to get their quiz hats on as the winning team from last year will likely fancy their chances again … Wellington members are a strong contender, but word is Auckland members are getting organised ... .

Just like yesteryear, the Master Joiner purpose remains strong and is led by a talented executive committee. Are you wondering about those historical records? Some of the books will be on display alongside another special attraction (more to come on that) at conference, it’s a fitting tribute to our yesteryear and a fine salute to today as we drill into the Master Joiner year of being inspired to grow. To grow the joiner practitioner, the business, the next generation, and profession generally, because wheels are round for momentum!