The Facilities Management Association of New Zealand (FMANZ)

professionals to progress into more senior leadership roles. “Having homegrown university qualifications in facilities management is a ground-breaking advancement for the professionalisation of the industry and one we are extremely excited about,” says Gillian Wess, Chief Executive of FMANZ. “These qualifications provide educational pathways for school leavers and practising facilities management professionals who wish to pursue FM as a career of choice and mark the recognition and coming of age of FM in Aotearoa.” Founded in 2008 as an incorporated society, FMANZ represents New Zealand’s community of FM professionals, and supports advocacy, education, networking and knowledge sharing for members and allied member organisations. From humble beginnings 13 years ago, the association has grown to more than 1200 members spread across six branches –Auckland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Manawatu, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago. Members are in-house facilities managers, FM contractors and external FM consultants who oversee the strategic and operational management of facilities to ensure public spaces and workplaces are safe, healthy, sustainable, productive and fit-for-purpose. They are represented in a range of sectors including local government, government agencies, tertiary education, health, construction, transport, commercial and aviation. “Members are the raison d’être of the association and their interests, engagement and consultation drive the strategic objectives of education, professional development, recognition and knowledge sharing,” says Gillian. A New Era of Professionalism Last year FMANZ implemented a new era of professionalism for facilities management through the introduction of tiered membership categories and associated post-nominals. These categories include Associate (AFMANZ), Member (MFMANZ) and Certified membership (CFMANZ), the pinnacle of facilities management professionalism in New Zealand. FMANZ has a strategic alliance with the Facility Management Association of Australia (the Trans-Tasman Facilities Management Alliance) with a letter of intent signed between the two associations in August 2019. The alliance presents many opportunities for aligned outcomes in the areas of education, membership and knowledge resources, as well as the potential to deliver a joint conference. As evidenced by the new Massey University qualifications, Gillian reports, “Facilities management in New Zealand has undergone a major transformation in recent years, progressing from ‘an accidental career’ to ‘a career of choice’. We believe FM in Aotearoa has come of age and is beginning to garner the recognition it deserves; FMs are starting to step out of the shadows and be recognised for the important role they play.” Reflecting this change, FMANZ launched a new professional competency framework last year which identifies 13 core FM skills in order to set minimum standards and exemplars within the industry. The framework forms the foundation for FMANZ’s CPD programme – a tailored programme of learning that supports members’ career advancement, expands their skillset and provides recognition for their qualifications and experience. FMANZ’s Annual FM Summit FMANZ held its first annual FM Summit in 2012 and this year is looking forward to welcoming delegates to the Cordis Hotel in Auckland on 6 – 7 July. THE FAC I L I T I ES MANAGEMENT ASSOC I AT ION OF NEW ZEALAND ( FMANZ) Gillian Wess, Chief Executive of FMANZ