Annual Report 2010 - Plastics New Zealand

The 2009 committee includes:Simon Jones (Thermoplastic Engineering)John Matthews (Calvert Plastics)Steve Logan (Cryovac)Nick Marsden (BRANZ)In spite of the recession, skill shortageswill continue to be a major concern fordeveloping businesses into 2010 andbeyond. The unifying issue for the branchmay well be training and skills developmentto improve the pool of skilled staff availableto the industry.I would like to thank current and pastcommittee members for their efforts andinvolvement in activities. A special thanksto Immediate Past President – Simon Joneswho has very skilfully managed branchactivities while maintaining a hands-oninvolvement in business operations on bothsides of the Tasman nSkill shortages willcontinue to be a majorconcern for developingbusinesses into 2010and beyondSOUTH ISLANDBranch ReportMark FieldPresident South Is BranchPlastics New Zealand2009 has been a tough year for many of ourBranch Members with the recession takingits toll and iconic companies like Fisher andPaykel moving their manufacturing off shore.Despite these challenges the South IslandBranch has remained upbeat and active.Socially the Branch has been busythroughout the year. 25 teams competed inthe Go Karting competition which is growingevery year thanks to excellent organisationby Robert and Stephanie Fowler. The fiercelyfought competition was eventually jointly wonby Ristrom Packaging and Action Plastics.RX Plastics hosted the annual S.I. Branchgolf tournament to the usual high standardand a most enjoyable and social day washad by all.Events such as a beer tasting evening anda fishing trip to Kaikora were also held butthe highlight of the social calendar wasthe Branch’s 50th Anniversary Dinner. In1959 the South Island Branch was formedand Robertson Stewart was elected thefirst President. In September 2009 theBranch celebrated 50 years of successwith an Anniversary Dinner held at the regalMona Vale Homestead. A large number ofBranch Members, Life Members, and PastPresidents attended and our guest speakerMr Tom Thomson re-counted many fond andfunny memories from the past. Mr Thomsonalso highlighted the need to bring youngpeople into the PNZ network to ensure itsongoing success. This was a very enjoyableevent with many people who have left theindustry in attendance.The Branch bestowed a life membershipupon Murray Knight at the AGM dinner.Murray has been in the industry for 30 yearsand has been on the South Island committeesince 1989. A very worthy recipient.A challenge faced by our Branch this yearhas been finding ways to utilise the PlasticsCentre at CPIT. The economic environmenthas meant that companies are not taking onstaff and are reducing training expenditure.As a result we have not been able to usethis excellent facility in the way in the waywe would like. With an eye for the futurethe Branch has invested in the INZONEcareers modules with the aim of attractingschool leavers into our industry. This willsee a Plastics Industry careers video on theINZONE careers kiosks in 25 Schools in theSouth Island.I would like to thank the committee for theeffort this year and to acknowledge thebusinesses that allow them to participate:Denise Chapman(Immediate Past President) ConsultantJohn Lovett(Vice President) Talbot Plastics LtdRobert Fowler(Junior Vice President) Comspec LTDAndrew Stewart General Cables NZ LtdWarren Jones Chemiplas LTDMurray Knight Polymers International LtdPaul Wilson RX Plastics LtdGraeme Rickard Plastech Industries LtdAziz Nabi Viscount Plastics LTDSteffan Jacques C.P.I.TDennise Chapman our Immediate PastPresident is also involved at the NationalExecutive level as Chairman of theEnvironmental Committee.I would like to acknowledge the effortsof Mike Murphy who stepped down fromthe committee this year. Mike has heldpositions at both the Branch and NationalExecutive levels.Finally on behalf of the South Island BranchCommittee I would like to thank the Teamsat PNZ, PamPITO and CPIT the efforts andassistance throughout the year nCORPORATE ACTIVITYANNUAL REPORT 2010IPLASTICS NEW ZEALAND13