publication

29 and representation, the association’s influence is echoed throughout New Zealand. Its mem- bers are always updated in what’s happening in the sector and they also have a lot of opportu- nities to raise concerns and share opinions with other facilities as well as the board of NZACA. One supports the other and the association ac- tively encourages its members to participate in the discussions as they affect the entire sector. “The quite unique thing about us in New Zea- land is that we have a branch network, we have fourteen branches around the country. So the New Zealand Aged Care Association is a two- way forum, we tell our members what’s happen- ing in the policy space and they provide infor- mation to us to take back to the policy makers. We also offer a range of membership services as well as providing training. We only have five staff and we only exist because of the subscrip- tion that our members pay. We are a small, lean machine”, explains Simon.