Another busy year almost wrapped up . . .

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2010 has been a tremendous year for the RMBF and a year of change in the New Zealand construction industry.
The RMBF has continued to perform well in so many aspects of its activities. I believe we have firmly reiterated our industry leadership position as a result of strong and clear board and management actions.

We benefit from the input of a very strong and committed board of directors, an excellent chief executive and a great team effort from our staff. The organisation is really on a roll and will continue to prosper.

We have played key roles in so many industry initiatives, including the recent Building Act review and weathertightness working groups.
We have continued our excellent working relationships with the Department of Building and Housing, major suppliers, sponsors, BRANZ and the BCITO.

The 2010 Apprentice of the Year was an outstanding event, culminating in the national final in Wellington. I personally attended a number of these events and was really impressed with the calibre of young people coming through our industry.

These young apprentices not only displayed their considerable talents in this competition, but also showed they could present themselves well and speak well in public when required.
They turned up at these events with strong family support networks which, to me, reiterated the importance of a strong family environment to create successful people.
The House of the Year and Commercial Project Awards just keeps going up a level every year. 2010 was extra special because it was the 20th year celebration year.
This milestone was recognised at every event. A number of sponsors have been with this competition for all of those 20 years, including principal sponsor PlaceMakers, Winstone Wallboards, James Hardie and Tasman Insulation.

We sincerely thank these sponsors for their loyal commitment from the very inception of this competition.
This year’s national awards gala was, in my opinion, the best yet. Everything was so professionally organised. The venue, the programme, the entertainment and the quality of entrants were all outstanding. I do not think any other industry has an awards event of this calibre.

As part of the 20 year celebrations, new Platinum awards were presented to those building companies that have achieved five or more National titles over the years. This is a great achievement when you consider the very high level that is required just to make a national final.
As this year draws to a close I want to offer my personal thanks to all of you who make this organisation special, and who have made my role of national president something to savour.

A special thanks to our board of directors Mike Fox, Richard Carver, Greg Pritchard, David Fabish, John McDonald and Anthony Leighs for their passion, expertise and commitment.
To chief executive Warwick Quinn for his leadership and drive. To Tracey Bree, Larissa Garnett and the rest of the RMBF team for their support and contributions to the success of this organisation, and to all regional presidents, managers and, of course, our members who have welcomed me along the way — thank you. Next year will again be an exciting and fulfilling one.

On behalf of the RMBF, I wish you all a great and safe Christmas and New Year.

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