Association Update – October 2026

It has been so nice to see more of the sun over the last couple of weeks, and the longer evenings are definitely making it feel like summer is just around the corner. I think we’re in for a good one!

This month saw our biggest regional meeting yet come about in the Bay of Plenty, with 51 sign makers turning up for a quiz night put together by Aaron Joines and PSP. It was such a fun night and a great chance for everyone to catch up with some familiar faces, as well as meet some new ones.

Aaron has suggested we share the quiz with the rest of the country and see how everyone else does. So, if you want to have a go at the quiz, let us know and we can see which region comes out on top and claim the title of smartest sign makers in the country!

We’ve also recently completed a full review and update of our suite of employment legislation and good practice guides, including producing a brand-new AI in the Workplace Guide. These are now all available on the NZSDA website for members to access. If you need any help navigating the website or finding the right resource, just let me know.

It’s also that time of year when we start getting stuck into the planning for next year’s Conference and Awards, including finalising plans and booking venues. For the Awards, now is a good time to start taking photos of your projects and making notes about the work you’ve completed. Entries will open early next year, so getting organised now will save you a scramble later.

The same goes for Master Sign Maker. If this is something you want to achieve and you’re not currently working towards it, now is the time to get started. There are a number of requirements to work through, and you need to allow yourself enough time to get everything completed if you want to receive your plaque at the 2027 Sign Awards.

We’re also working on our full event calendar for next year, including webinars and regional get-togethers. If you’d like to see a regional meeting happen in your area, please get in touch. We’re happy to provide the resources and support to help you run one. We do need these events to be member-driven, though. After a lot of low attendance at regional meetings over the last few years, we need members to put their hands up, help get people along and make the most of the opportunity when we bring an event to your area.

That’s all from me this month.

Ngā mihi,

Mikayla Hopkins
NZSDA