Kia ora everyone,
As you may recall, I joined HIANZ as Chief Executive on 12 January 2026. Now 11 weeks into the role, I wanted to share an update on our activity and progress.
It has been a busy and productive start, with a strong focus on supporting our members and seeking your feedback on how we can better support you and your businesses as an industry association. Your input has been invaluable, and we have shared this with the Board.
We are already progressing a number of initiatives in response.
These include:
Expanding our health & safety tools with the launch of “Safety Insights” in April, accessible via your membership login on www.hianz.net.nz
Recognising the diversity of our membership and establishing membership working groups for Party & Events, Forklifts, and Silvercard Trainers
Creating a platform for these groups to help shape HIANZ’s advocacy priorities with MBIE, WorkSafe, and local councils
We will share further details shortly, including a call for nominations to participate in these working groups.
Global Update
Recent global events are creating uncertainty, particularly around supply chains. The full impact is still emerging, and we are monitoring developments closely.
We have engaged directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), most recently attending a session yesterday to understand the Government’s response to the current situation in the Gulf.
We encourage members to stay informed via the MBIE website, particularly fuel stock updates.
Please be assured that HIANZ management and the Board are actively monitoring developments and engaging with other industry associations to stay ahead of any impacts.
“The Grand Tour”
While travel has slowed slightly in recent weeks, I have:
Travelled 7,740 km (including 1,490 km by air)
Met with over 160 HIANZ members across General Hire, Specialist Hire, Party & Events, Forklifts, Access, and Associate/Supplier sectors
Appointed Nichola Elmes as Membership Support Administrator, based in Tauranga alongside Operations Manager Kylene Schlebusch
Conducted joint member visits with Carien Bresler, HIANZ Relationship Manager, including engagement with Silvercard Trainers
What’s Coming
We’re pleased to confirm a series of regional networking events, in partnership with STIHL Shop, celebrating their 100th anniversary.
We encourage you to attend one of the events – view a list of the event dates on our website https://www.hianz.net.nz/hianz-events/.
Please confirm your attendance by emailing office@hianz.net.nz with the names and email addresses of attendees.
Closing
I wanted to share this update on my first 11 weeks, along with key information to support your business operations, and to invite you to connect with us at one of our upcoming regional events.
Our Association has formed 47 years to create a connected membership community.
No member should believe that they are navigating challenges alone—fellow members are here to support you and we support each other.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the HIANZ team or Board at any time.
Ngā mihi,
Kieran White
Chief Executive Officer