RSA Media Release
14 November 2011

New look RSA to be launched at annual Conference

At the annual RSA conference starting in Wellington today over 300 delegates will launch the new RSA brand for its second century.

“We’re only five years from our 100th anniversary,” says Chief Executive Dr Stephen Clarke, “2016 will not only be about celebrating but taking stock of how far we have come in terms of our transformation.”

The new “Living the Anzac Spirit Today” strategy challenges the RSA to transform perceptions of itself from a place which old blokes disappear into, to an organisation that is known to stand for something and is seen to play a valuable role in society. The vision is to champion the Anzac spirit across all generations, by embracing its foundation values of compassion, camaraderie, courage and commitment.

“At the heart of our new thinking is not just looking at pictures of Anzacs but celebrating, every day, that Anzac spirit living in our hearts as New Zealanders. That’s how we will honour them,” says Dr Clarke.

“We’ve been rolling out the strategy with our RSAs with positive responses and it is exciting to be launching the new look this week. It really is a first for the RSA,” he says.

Dr Clarke said the public will begin to see the new approach from next April.

The 2011 annual report reveals that RSA membership this year has increased to 117,000 members, making it still one of the largest voluntary organisations in the country.

These and other matters will be covered in National President Don McIver’s inaugural address together with addresses from the Governor-General and the Prime Minister at this afternoon’s Formal Opening. The Opening will also be the first for Corporal Willie Apiata VC since being made a RNZRSA Life Member in 2007.

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