From the President
May 2017
I'm still buzzing from the recent conference, and the great news is that we've got the presentations available for you even if you weren't able to attend! At the conference I took a deep breath and stepped down as President, effective at the next annual general meeting (July this year). And we're very busily promoting the career of technical communication around the country. Will you help us?
Collaborate2017
The conference, Collaborate2017, is behind us now, but the lessons and the friendships live on! I learnt so much from the wise and clever people we assembled, and while it's sometimes a bit of a trick to apply learning straight back into the workplace, I had a moment of metadata triumph the other day that had me prancing around the office. Maybe it helped that I had Jaco Swart at my elbow, but all the presenters are approachable and happy to help, so if you have a question for one of them, get in touch or email comms@techcomm.nz
We're assembling the slides, notes, and keynote videos, and they are available for all on the TechCommNZ website. We'll continue to update this page as more content arrives. If you like James Bond, or housekeeping, you should definitely take a few minutes to watch Grant Mackenzie's conference housekeeping video with a Bond theme. Check out the play list on our Tech Comms on YouTube page, because it contains that and more.
A huge thank you to the speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and delegates – we couldn't have done it without you!
Change of leadership: AGM July 2017
Our Annual General Meeting is in Christchurch this year, on 24 July, and all are welcome. There are several vacancies to fill this year. Our secretary, Peter Russell, is standing down, and so am I. I have loved being President and representing technical communicators in New Zealand for the last (nearly) three years, and I'm just as committed to the goals of TechCommNZ as I've always been. However, it's time for new energy and ideas to take us forward.
So please, think about what you can contribute to the Board, and what Board membership can mean for you. For me, it has meant professional growth, wonderful friendships, and an incredible sense of doing cool stuff that really, really matters.
If you're interested in getting involved with the TechCommNZ Board, or think you might be but want to know more, please email comms@techcomm.nz.
Spreading the news about technical communication
TechCommNZ is actively working to promote technical communication as a career by continuing our involvement with TechHub in Schools (formerly ICT-Connect) and attending university career days.
TechCommNZ member Katie Haggath is off to Wellington this Friday to represent us at Victoria University's open day. If you're on campus between 12:00 and 2:00 pm, rock up and say hi to Katie, and enter the draw to win a groovy set of bluetooth speakers.
TechHub in Schools is looking for presenters and mentors from industry again, with information evenings running in the main centres. They've just launched their cool new website where you can read about being a presenter or a mentor. Who knows? You might be responsible for changing someone's direction of travel in life – how amazing is that?
ASTC conference – November 2017
If you're looking for an excuse to get to Sydney this year, look no further than the ASTC Conference, on 10–11 November 2017. The committee is calling for presenters now.
Until next time, keep creating order and clarity out of whatever you're given,