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RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013
National Office
TImE TO START PLANNING fOR WW1 REmEmBRANCE Don McIver, RNZRSA president
Anzac Day, the annual commemorative highpoint of that season when we pause to remember all those who served for and died in service to our nation, will soon be upon us again. As in past years there will be special events around Anzac Day. By the time you read your copy of the Review the winner of the ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition will have been announced, and will be preparing for a life-changing trip to the Anzac ceremonies on on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25. These young contestants have put their hearts and souls into their presentations. They are always thoughtfully researched and passionately presented, and I have been moved by the spirit and emotion of their speeches. They reassure the listener that the future of our nation is in good hands. And then, just before Anzac Day, the governor
general will announce the Anzac of the Year 2012. This prestigious RSA award epitomises our commitment to the Spirit of Anzac and those values of Courage, Compassion, Commitment and Comradeship it encompasses. Last year’s highly meritorious winner, the Student Volunteer Army, was there for the people of Canterbury when most needed. And the award illustrated that we are looking for anyone, of any age, from anywhere in the country, who has demonstrated, by outstanding service, those special Anzac values. This year, too, we will see some serious RNZRSA planning for its commitment to the World War 1 centenary. Over the years 2014–2018 the country will commemorate the service of more than 100,000 young men and women to the war, and the tragic loss of more than 18,000 dead. For a country with a population then of about 1
million, this was a remarkable contribution to a war in which the major events were played out on the other side of the world. New Zealanders are already committing themselves to the remembrance programmes that are developing, and they will expect the RSA to be intimately involved in them. Much of the activity will be in the rural areas, in the small towns and villages that provided so many of the young men and women who served. Every RSA in the country needs to consider now what role it will play and who should be its local partners in the preparation and implementation of its programmes. Our remembrance committee is developing our national programme and will provide the support and assistance you will need to put your programme in place. But you need to start your planning now. I know many RSAs are already well into the process. For a
wider view of what is happening nationally and advice on lottery funding, have a look at www.100.govt.nz. Just before Anzac Day you will see the launch of the Fields of Remembrance (or White Crosses) project. A trust has been established by the RNZRSA, the Passchendaele Society (which originated the White Crosses concept) and the Auckland RSA (which has provided sponsorship to the Passchendaele Society). The trust will advance the development of nationwide remembrance of those who served in World War 1 by encouraging participation of all New Zealanders in creating Fields of Remembrance (fields of white crosses) in every community on special commemorative dates. It’s a very imaginative concept that I’m sure will resonate with New Zealanders countrywide. I have no doubt your RSA will want to be a part of it.
WELCOmE TO THE NEW NATIONAL OffICE Stephen Clarke, RNZRSA chief executive
As we enter autumn we can reflect on what a stunning summer we’ve enjoyed – in my case, double the usual number of ocean swims with my girls both in Wellington and at Auckland’s fabulous west-coast beaches. The rest of my summer was dedicated to the National Office review mentioned in the last issue. Our commitment at National Council 2012 was to review and transform the RNZRSA national office so that we would be better placed to assist member RSAs make the strategic shift required; to enhance the provision of communications and marketing services; to tackle our organisational technology gap; to expand merchandise and sponsorships to support our centenary programme. At a post-National Council meeting in
November, the National Executive Committee (NEC) expressed the concern that the project needed to be launched as soon as possible, but without undue haste, so that changes arising would not interfere with the major commitments to Anzac Day. It resolved that as chief executive, I should initiate the review, with the Executive Management Committee (EMC) having oversight of the process on behalf of the NEC. KPMG was engaged to provide independent advice on terms organisational structure and staff – this was the first National Office review in 25 years and it was critical we got it right. The EMC participated in a workshop designed to clarify design principles for the review and the development of a proposed structure for consultation. Feedback was sought from staff
and assessed by the chief executive and KPMG, and the final document was produced. The organisational chart outlines the new function based structure for National Office. Inevitably a number of positions did not fit the new structure. There were minor changes to three positions (plus that of the chief executive) and these were offered to the incumbents. Four staff were unsuccessful in the reassignment decisions made by me, with the assistance of a representative of KPMG, and confirmed by the national president. After working alongside staff for many years, it is always emotional to say goodbye under any circumstances. The NEC and I were concerned that due consideration was given to those whose positions had been terminated. Affected staff
New who’s who Stephen Clarke, chief executive: Focus is on leading National Office in the development and implementation of RNZRSA strategy to ensure the RSA movement is relevant and thriving. Supported by RNZRSA at university in 1990s; after overseas study joined National Office in 2001 to look after communications and commemorations. Appointed chief executive in late 2008. History graduate of University of Otago and the University of New South Wales at Australian Defence Force Academy; military historian and regular consultant for film and television. Jayne Collins, executive co-ordinator: Providing administrative support to the chief executive and national president. Has worked as an executive assistant for a variety of people and organisations, including two principal judges, the New Zealand Customs Service and the NZBus chief executive officer. Worked behind the bar at the Birkenhead RSA in the 1980s, and has been a territorial in the 4 Sigs Corps based at Papakura and in the North Shore Army Cadet Unit.
The post-restructure RNZRSA National Office staff (from left), Stephen Clarke, Lisa Ellingham, David Moger,Stacey Merrifield, Alastair Hoult, Jayne Collins, Margaret Snow, Rebecca Byrne.
Margaret Snow, manager advocacy and support: On behalf of ex-service community, makes submissions to the Law Commission and Committee on legislative changes, liaises with Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand, supports ex-service community and dependents with war pension appeals,helps train local RSA support advisers and volunteers. Worked for RNZRASA since 2002. Joined British Wrens at 18 and trained as a radar plotter. Trained naval officers and ratings in radar, air traffic control and tactics in the UK and the Netherlands. served as a civilian at a NATO
base with the RAF, was in Royal Naval Reserve. David Moger, manager business development: Focus on developing and supporting RSA membership recruitment, benefits and loyalty, and providing business planning and operations management to RSAs. Worked as sales and sales management in the a UK financial services firm, and as a divisional manager of a telecommunications firm. In New Zealand, has developed business opportunities with the science community, run businesses, been a chief executive and regional manager. Lisa Ellingham, manager communications and
were provided with significant professional support to find new employment. In addition, despite the fact that RNZRSA does not have a redundancy policy, the NEC agreed that financial recompense was provided to recognise their valuable contribution. The new structure is now in place. The structure is based on four functional areas: • Advocacy and support – to the ex-service community. • Business development – develop membership and the profitable operation of all RSAs. • Communication and marketing – to support a vibrant and relevant RSA movement. • Finance and administration – to provide financial and administration services for the National Office. marketing: Role is to connect the RSA with the New Zealand community, and help it reach the stage where it welcomed and supported by New Zealanders and remembered as a force for good. Experience in management, change management and leadership in commercial and creative environments, event management and tourism. Previously RNZRSA manager national projects. Stacey Merrifield, communications and marketing co-ordinator: RSA communications, branded goods and marketing activities to promote the RSA as a force for good at the heart of our communities. Business and agency experience in communications, event management, sponsorship and campaign co-ordination. Special interest in all things web and digital, especially social media. Alastair Hoult, manager finance and administration: Leads financial and administrative services. Has experience in senior finance roles in the health, dairy, not for profit and energy sectors. Rebecca Byrne, finance co-ordinator: Provides accounting and financial services for National Office. Background in small-business management as an owner/operator.