The National Executive met in Wellington last weekend with a focus on how we can better support our members.  

We are committed to providing a quality conference in both 2013 and 2015, with relevant PD to all our members throughout the country.  The 2013 conference ‘Winds of Change’ is shaping up very well and will have something for everyone.  I do hope you have requested to attend in your planning for next year. It is also good to mention your desire to attend in your annual report.

NE will soon be starting work on a new Strategic Plan. In order to formulate the plan we will be seeking your input early next year on what you would like to see.

NE are excited about Word Up (see Collected #8 www.slanza.org.nz/collected.html if you missed news of this) and the potential it holds for a range exciting initiatives to be offered next year. To tie in with this and the launch of the new SLANZA reading site, our first issue of Collected will focus on reading on all it’s forms. Contributions for articles related to all types of i.e. reading book clubs, summer reading reflections, ESOL, book talks etc. will be called for early next term.

We are looking for someone to take over the layout and design of Collected magazine. If you have an interest and experience in layout and design in an online environment please contact Miriam Tuohy at [email protected] for further information.

This week we called for applications for the SLANZA NE Administration job. The position description is on our website at http://www.slanza.org.nz/vacancies.html.  Please share this information with anyone you think could be interested.  They do not have to work in a school library to apply.

National Executive members in some cases expressed concern about the workload of running both a regional committee and being the regional rep. The NE roles have changed over time and the workload has increased, to this end it is no longer a requirement that the NE Rep also chair the regional committee. The regional committee has many portfolios ie the regional rep, treasurer, membership person and these can be combined or shared within the committee as suits your region.

We welcome Karen Clarke as the new NE rep for Wellington and thank Michele Whiting for her enormous contribution. From 2013 Karen will we working with on membership with our new admin person to improve our membership processes.

We thank all our members for their support this year.  Reflecting on our successful Ross Todd events we look forward to continuning to provide relevant PD to our members while we search for other ways to meet your needs.  We wish you all a restful holiday season and all the best for next year.

Lisa Salter
Communications Leader

IS THIS YOU?
Do you want a challenge?
Do you have excellent administrative and clerical skills?
Are you highly organized?
Are you confident using online tools such as Google Apps and other online tools?
Are you comfortable with online banking and managing finances?
Are you passionate about school libraries and education in New Zealand?
Do you want to be more involved with SLANZA?

Answering YES to these questions could mean you’re just who we’re looking for!  
SLANZA is looking for an Administration Officer. The position is a demanding but rewarding one. It is not necessary that applicants work, or have worked, in a school library but a general understanding of the way that the education sector works would be advantageous.

We need someone who is highly organised, who can communicate well and who understands financial matters as they relate to organisations such as ourselves. Experience with MYOB or other accounting programmes and databases would be an advantage. We would like a person who is responsive to challenges and who is good with systems and comfortable working in an online environment and to a deadline.

SLANZA is offering this paid contract position of up to 10 hours a week to the right person, who will work closely with the President and the members of the National Executive.

This administrative role involves:

• National Executive Secretary
  
• Membership Secretary
  
• SLANZA Finance

Although our meetings are held in Wellington it is not necessary that the person appointed resides there.
If you would like more information, the position description is attached below, or email [email protected]

Applications in writing, to be addressed to the President at [email protected]

Applications close on Wednesday, December 12th.  We would expect to appoint before Christmas.

Blue Sky Thinking! If the sky was the limit, what would you hope for?

Are you ready to be inspired?  Are you ready to be challenged?  Are you prepared for some mental fitness to keep your mind active over the summer, filling your head with ideas and inspiration?  How can you make positive changes in your career and your library? 
Open this issue of SLANZA's Collected magazine and see what the leaders in the field have to say.  You will get to know a couple of the fabulous key note speakers gearing up for next year's conference in Wellington bringing us 'winds of change' as well as some local experts keen to share their dreams with you.
Get comfortable, open your mind and follow this link!

Oh, and while I have your attention... The conference committee have started a Facebook page to keep you up to date on their progress. Check it out when you have a chance and 'like' it to stay informed.

Lisa Salter
SLANZA Communications Leader

Downtown Backpackers – 1 Bunny Street, Wellington
Phone 0800 225 725 or email [email protected]    www.downtownbackpackers.co.nz
10% discount on any room subject to availability – quote “SLANZA”and book before 1 June 2013.

Ibis Wellington Hotel – 153 Featherston Street, Wellington 6011
Phone 04 496 1880 or email [email protected]
www.accorhotels.com/Wellington
$129 incl gst per room per night subject to availability – quote “SLANZA2013“ and book before 1 June 2013.

Kingsgate Hotel Wellington – 24 Hawkestone Street, Thorndon, Wellington (closest to conference venue)
Phone 04 473 2208 or email [email protected]
www.kingsgatewellington.co.nz
$135 incl gst per room per night subject to availability – quote “SLANZA2013“ and book before 1 June 2013.

Rydges Wellington – 75 Featherston Street, Wellington 6011
Phone 04 499 8686 or email [email protected]
www.rydges.com/wellington
$199 incl gst per room per night subject to availability – quote “X-MEC0713“ and book before 1 June 2013.

Other Wellington accommodation options can be found online:
http://www.wellingtonnz.com/accommodation