2026 AGM reminder - Tuesday 1 pm 11 Nov

Kia ora

I am writing my last message as Chair of ATANZ.  I have been on the boards for 6 years now and am so proud of what we have achieved during this time, building on the incredible hard work of those who served before me. 

I will be stepping down at the AGM and we'll be announcing the new chair at the AGM. 

Some key achievements that I am particularly proud of being a part of during this time include

• Building up the equipment trial pool
• Advocacy work with Whaikaha
• Contributing to various advocacy work with NZSTA
• Ensuring that assistive technology was included in the disability survey during the last census
• Hosting some incredible professional development
• Bringing on the excellent Mireille Vreeburg to support the event managements of our PLD offerings. 
• Bringing on Darshna Deo when Melanie Amm stepped down after several years of excellent financial support

When I was encouraged to join the board, I had no idea just how rewarding it would be and how great it is to get to connect regularly with the passionate and skilled ATANZ members who make such a different in Aotearoa. 

So thank again for all you do and I would absolutely love to see you at the AGM on Tuesday.  It is online and I promise to include some moments of connection and chances to share your dreams, ideas, and hopes for the future of communication assistive technology in Aotearoa!

Ngā mihi nui, 

Shannon Hennig