• FROM
THE PRESIDENT
O
ur world is evolving rapidly
constantly having to consider how we
and often unpredictably – and
keep up. However, technology also
it is now, more than ever, a
gives us an opportunity to work in
time to think about how we prepare
more interconnected and integrated
for the future. This includes both
ways to improve our efficiency and
the future of the communities and
outcomes.
environment we help to build and
This is not just about how we
shape as well as the future of our
capture data and take measurements,
survey and spatial industry, and of our
but also how new positioning
organisation, Survey and Spatial NZ
technology can impact other
Tātai Whenua.
industries, how visualisation can
We undoubtedly have a vital role
help with understanding, and how
to play in the future of the commu-
making sense of data in new ways
nities we serve. At the same time,
can help with decision making that
we are facing significant global
can generate greater impact and
challenges, with increased emphasis
improved outcomes.
being placed on the development of
Also, we need to consider the
sustainable and resilient outcomes
future of organisations such as Survey
that support community wellbeing
and Spatial NZ, and how we stay
and liveability.
relevant, vibrant and future-ready. We
That means rethinking how we
have been working on ensuring we
work, what we place importance on,
achieve this through the revision of
and how we engage with stake-
our strategy, our letter of expectation,
holders, other disciplines, and the
and some key initiatives and projects
broader interconnected elements that
that have been undertaken over the
factor into our direction and decision
past 18 months.
making. Technology is also changing the
This includes projects such as the review and refresh of our certifica-
way we work as an industry, and in
tion, as well as some of the outward
some cases threatening to significant-
facing projects such as the Resilience
ly disrupt our ways of working. In a
Volunteer Group development to
period of relentless change, we are
name just a couple.
I would also like to appeal to all members to consider how you might get more engaged and contribute back to our organisation and industry. Organisations like ours survive and thrive from the input of volunteers. We have some dedicated and exceptional volunteers who currently contribute, but I’d like to encourage any of you who have been wondering whether you should, to take the plunge. It is rewarding, and you can help to contribute to and shape our future. Finally, on a personal note and in the very near future, I’m really looking forward to the S+SNZ Conference in August – including the revamped awards dinner – which should be an exceptional event. If you haven’t signed up yet, don’t miss out. See you there! Kat Salm
SURVEYING+SPATIAL
•
•
Issue 105 June 2021 5
