Association Update - September 2025
One of the ways we can best support our members is by making training more accessible. That’s why we’re bringing you online lunchbreak sessions, offering practical training that’s easy to access and fit into your day.
We recently ran a sustainability panel with Kirbyco, 3M, and Impactex, who shared valuable insights on managing waste, using materials smarter, and creating campaigns that are both environmentally responsible and profitable. Thank you to everyone who joined us, the recording will be available soon.
We also recently hosted a webinar with Minitech on using AI tools safely, covering when they can be helpful and when they may pose risks. A key takeaway was that the data you feed into GPT isn’t always as private as it may seem, even if platforms say it is “anonymised.” Many other helpful tips were shared during the session, and the full recording is now available on our website.
Looking ahead, our next session will be delivered by Computaleta and will focus on LED lighting installations and compliance. This is a great opportunity to hear tips and tricks directly from the experts and to pick up valuable lessons for signees of any level. We also have one final webinar with ACC, giving you the chance to hear from them and ask your questions directly.
We’ve also been out connecting with signees in person through our regional meetings in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty. These were well attended, and we want to thank everyone who made the effort to come along. This was the first Bay of Plenty meeting in quite some time, so it was particularly valuable to bring the local community together. Face-to-face connections are so important to us, and we truly appreciate the opportunity to meet members in person whenever possible.
The August intake for Master Sign Maker has now closed, and we are thrilled to announce two new Master Sign Makers: Badboy Graphix and Landmark Signs. These businesses have put in the work to achieve this accreditation, and we’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with them. The fourth and final intake for 2025 will be in November, so businesses wanting to achieve the accreditation this year will need to act quickly to meet the deadline.
This month we also want to remind you about the Signee course, an online tool that provides a comprehensive introduction to sign writing. The program covers the key pillars of the industry and helps bridge the gap for those who are new to the trade, or whose role only covers one part of the process. As recent participant Deakyn Hands shared, “It was very informative, showing me the different aspects and applications within the industry in a short time.” His employer also added, “We found the Signee program a very useful tool for Deakyn, it gave us a chance to show him a lot more of the industry, beyond what we offer in our shop. I would recommend using the program for all staff new to the industry.” The course is free for NZSDA members, while non-members can access it for a small fee.
We are excited to announce that our new partnership with n3 is now live. N3 is a business buying group represented by thousands of companies in New Zealand, giving members access to incredible discounts with over 45 trade and retail suppliers. NZSDA members can now tap into these savings on everyday business purchases, which we know will make a big difference at a time when costs are tight. This partnership adds real value to membership, making it harder than ever to find a reason not to join.
Finally, we are delighted to announce the official dates for the 2026 Sign Expo, which will be held on 17-19 June, followed by the Sign Awards on 20 June. More information will be released closer to this time.
“Mā te rongo, ka mōhio. Mā te mōhio, ka mārama. Mā te mārama, ka mātau. Mā te mātau, ka ora.”
Through listening comes knowledge. From knowledge comes understanding. From understanding comes wisdom. From wisdom comes well-being.
Mikayla Hopkins
NZSDA
