Message from outgoing President Ben Farrell

Wow, what a year and what a fantastic conference last week! As set out in my President’s Report included in the AGM documentation, last year was our busiest in my eight years on the National Committee. I give recognition and thanks to the dedication to those of you who have volunteered your time in support of RMLA. RMLA continues to receive positive feedback from the Courts and Central Government about the outstanding contribution RMLA makes to our Sector. So many of you have put in substantial mahi to ensure our voices have been heard in Central Government, strengthened our key relationships and supported our membership through numerous events, publications and general support. Notable mentions are to those of you who make up our National Committee, Pou Kaitiaki, Regional Committees, Editorial Committee and Legislation Sub-Committee.

It has been my pleasure serving the RMLA membership, and I thank all those I've worked alongside for making my experience enjoyable and rewarding. It’s comforting knowing our membership numbers and finances are strong, our relationships with key stakeholders are impactful, and our governance is stable.

As my time as President comes to an end, I wish the incoming National Committee and new executive team my heartfelt wishes going forward – I have full faith in you and know you are well placed to lead our sector through this time of uncertainty and ongoing change. RMLA is in safe hands with Lauren Wallace (as your new president), along with Kate Stubbing, Julia Wick and Andrew Schulte in the executive, and supported by a national committee of Clare Lenihan, Sarah Stevenson, Doug Fairgray, Alan Moss, Barbara Mead, Heike Lutz, Rebekah Te Rito (yRMLA and Pou Kaitiaki), and Tara Hauraki (Pou Kaitiaki). Tania Ruru-Dons and Riki Ellison round out our Pou Kaitiaki for this upcoming term.

I can’t wait to see you all up Northland at next year’s conference at Waitangi!

Ben Farrell
Past President