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It has been a busy year for the Board of Allergy New Zealand; one of development, and revisiting our focus and direction for the future. While it has been a period of many challenges there have also been just as many highlights. The challenges continued from 2009, all directly attributable to the recession. This has resulted in funding being much harder to obtain and Allergy New Zealand has had to make considerable efforts to both maintain income, and keep expenditure down. We have been successful in doing that, but at the cost of paid staff hours. On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Penny and her team for the great work they have done, and our volunteers, particularly Debbie Ansley, for their support. Our CEO returned from the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Alliance in September 2009 with some great ideas which the Board agreed to take up. The main outcome of this was the development of a new Strategic Plan and in some ways a new direction for the organisation. The Board contracted a facilitator to take us through a review, and planning sessions. The information obtained from the members survey was fed into this; we also conducted an environmental scan, looked at available data, and individual directors contributed their own knowledge and experience. Some of the key factors to consider were: • We have a huge constituency and limited resources so how do we balance between supporting people now and making a difference for everyone in the longer term? Do we even try to balance this or just concentrate on the current situation? The feedback from members and others strongly indicated that we have to try to make change happen for the future as well as meet present needs. • Our membership has the potential to be a major resource and key to effecting the changes needed for all New Zealanders living with allergies. However most members drop out of the organisation within 3-4 years, usually when their children have grown out of food allergy. So we need to encourage members to continue to support our work long after the time they need us. • While awareness of allergies has increased in the community, this increase has not necessarily extended to an equivalent awareness of Allergy New Zealand as an organisation. We need to be much more visible and at the same time credible so that we are always the first port of call for information about allergy. It is pleasing to note from the CEO’s reports to the Board, and from this Annual Report, that these factors are already being taken into account in operational strategies. The Board has also developed a plan to build its own capacity and effectiveness in governance and we look forward to a number of new Directors joining us this year particularly from out of Auckland. As you will also see from the Strategic Plan 2010 -2013 outline in this Annual Report, we have determined to place more emphasis on leading change for the benefit of all, while improving the quality and effectiveness of our services. To do this we must also expand and encourage research into the impact of allergies in New Zealand. I am delighted therefore at completion of the pilot study in partnership with the Auckland District Health Board, and the launch of our Food Allergy Research Fund in May this year. There are many people who have given their time and energy to help our work and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them, including the Medical Panel, the National Support Network, members that helped with allergy awareness week, the food allergy fundraising campaign and other activities, and my fellow Board members. I would also like to make a special acknowledgement to our Secretary Dot Louie who has served in this role for six years. She has also given many hours of her time to help in the office, with funding applications and so on. My report would not be complete without thanking our Honorary Ambassador, Sir Peter Charles Leitch QSM. I attended the Wayne Bennett Gala Dinner and Auction organised by Sir Peter and the Mad Butcher and Suburban Newspapers Community Trust in June. Allergy New Zealand was one of four very lucky beneficiaries. The occasion was a superb example of the energy and outstanding generosity of this wonderful man. Sue Egbers Chair August 2010 |