Association Update - October 2026
October is only just beginning and I’m already hearing reports from members around the country that the pre-Christmas rush has begun and the industry is getting busier by the day. It is great to see business pick up, as I know it has been a hard year for many.
Our n3 partnership has been gladly received by the industry and loads of members have told me about the great savings they have been making when using their card or through their trade accounts. Even if you already have a trade account with a business, adding the n3 benefits give you an even larger discount on many products. For those who have yet to sign up, n3 are actively calling all of our members to help assist you with the process and we hope to see everyone take advantage of this opportunity. It really does make all the difference.
Another project we’ve rolled out recently is the Good Practice Guide – Sign & Display Installations. We saw a real need for some consistency across the industry to ensure everyone is on the same page and installations are completed responsibly. That guide is now available for purchase to the wider industry, though NZSDA members can access it free of charge.
To sit alongside the guide, we also put together an Installation Terms of Trade document. This helps protect both you and your clients by clearly setting out expectations, responsibilities, and standards right from the start. It helps prevent disputes, keeps things transparent, and makes projects run smoother. Having it in place adds a layer of professionalism and shows your clients you’re operating with clear, fair standards.
As a direct result of these recent new member benefits, the hard work of our new board, and the new Master Sign Maker accreditation, we are experiencing an influx in NZSDA membership requests. We are delighted to see the NZSDA gain more recognition around the country and for sign shops to recognise the value of what we are offering.
Moving forward, we are pursuing a closer working relationship with the Australian Sign Graphics Association. We are eager to collaborate with our trans-Tasman counterparts, providing support and sharing insights and resources so both associations can provide more value to their members.
The growth in membership is a win for everyone. The more members we have, the stronger our collective voice becomes and the more influence we can have in setting standards and shaping the future of our industry. A larger network also means we can continue to expand the benefits, resources, and opportunities we offer to members.
Save the date for the 2026 Sign & Print Expo, running 17-19 June at the Auckland Showgrounds. We are excited to reveal the official theme – Future and Focus. This theme highlights how innovation and technology are opening new possibilities in our industry. With artificial intelligence increasingly influencing design and workflow, we want delegates to leave the expo thinking ahead, engaging with the latest tools, and discovering how these advancements will shape the future of signage and print.
He waka eke noa
We are all in this together