The major effort involved in building up an organisation from scratch has earned national awards for a Dunedin peer-support group.
The Dunedin branch of the Association of Administrative Professionals NZ, which was relaunched last year after several years’ hiatus, has quickly become a popular and active group.
At the recent AAPNZ national conference, the Dunedin group won the membership growth award and group president Tracey Fleet received an award for her contribution to the organisation.
Mrs Fleet told The Star the national awards were ‘‘a huge surprise’’ and very exciting for the re-emerging group.
‘‘We have come from nothing since last year, and the group is going really well,’’ she said.
‘‘So this was pretty exciting recognition for us as we are slowly but surely trying to grow and stay sustainable as a group.’’
The AAPNZ Dunedin branch has 21 active members, including four corporate members — the University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic, the Southern District Health Board and Delta.
‘‘This means that we have good numbers turning out to our meetings and events, which is a positivefor the group.’’
Mrs Fleet, who was recently appointed to the position of team leader for events and community campaigns in the Cancer Society’s OtagoSouthland division, said the AAPNZ group aimed to support vital members of any business who often worked in isolation.
The association’s members include executive assistants, personal assistants, administration managers, receptionists, call centre operators, accounts staff, school secretaries, industry trainers and more — anyone involved in an administrative role.
The non-profit group meets monthly for mutual support and to hear from a range of expert speakers.
‘‘Most of our speakers have a professional development element to what they say, which is useful and interesting for our members.’’
The AAPNZ Dunedin branch will hold its end-ofyear networking dinner on November 28.
Those interested in attending, or who would like to learn more about the group, are asked to contact Tracey Fleet by emailing aapnzdunedin@hotmail.com
