RSA looking to the future

RNZRSA MEDIA RELEASE
Monday, 11 October 2010

RSA looking to the future

The 94th National Council Meeting of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association begins today in Wellington.

The three day conference attended by 360 delegates from local RSAs throughout the country will build on last year’s platform to refresh its image under the motto “Carrying the Flag to All Generations”.

This year at the Future Forum workshop delegates will hear the results of market research conducted by the Nielsen Company into the perceptions of the RSA.

“Last year we unfurled our flag for the future,” says Chief Executive Dr Stephen Clarke.

“The Nielsen research will anchor our strategic and brand work, and enable us to support local RSAs to accurately develop the offerings and experience our current and future membership desires.”

In the past 12 months the RSA has been active and involved in a range of activities.

In the advocacy area it worked with the Law Commission on the review of the War Pensions Act, while the veteran support programme was supported by the public with a record $2m Poppy Appeal collection.

In the club sector a successful Hospitality RSA conference and a focus on a new staff training initiative has achieved positive results.

As guardian of remembrance the RSA brought to fruition two new initiatives set to become major events on the remembrance calendar.

The Anzac of the Year Award showcases that the spirit of Anzac endures today while the National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition for secondary school students ensure that the spirit lives on with tomorrow’s leaders. In addition, a new remembrance site anzacpoppy.com enables us to carry the torch of remembrance to new generations.

Meanwhile, the 2010 annual report reveals that RSA membership remains at a steady 116,000 members making it one of the largest voluntary organisations in the country.

These and other achievements will be covered in Robin Klitscher’s final address as National President today after three years in the top job and 14 years on the national executive.

The Prime Minister will also address delegates at this afternoon’s Formal Opening.

What: 94th RNZRSA National Council Formal Opening
Where: Michael Fowler Auditorium, Wellington Convention Centre, Wakefield Street
When: 5pm (Media requested to be seated by 4.45)

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