IMPORTANT UPDATE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) 


The Property Institute of New Zealand considers the health and safety of its members and team are a priority in this period of global uncertainty.

As a result, we have been seriously considering what actions we, as an Institute, can take to reduce the risks to our people/you as the pandemic worsens.

We have a social and moral responsibility to all of you to ensure we provide a strong response to the health risk, that we do what's right, and that we provide clear and consistent communications to you so you understand how we are responding to the pandemic. 

It is clear we face a rapidly changing situation.  The economic shock will be considerable, while here in New Zealand the full impact on the health and well-being of Kiwis is yet to fully emerge.

As a result, the Property Institute of New Zealand is initiating a series of initiatives to minimise the risk to members, staff and the public.

None of the decisions we have made are being taken lightly.  However, we have taken a number of steps to insulate our members and staff from increased risk, and we sincerely apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused. 

  • The first step we are taking is to suspend all non-essential PINZ-related travel for staff, councillors, board members and members. This will effect all face-to-face meetings hosted by the Property Institute.
  • All Branch Annual General Meetings are to be postponed. We will be contacting Branch chairs individually to discuss alternative options such as audio and/or video conferencing.   

The first casualties of these new policies are the planned AGMs of the South/Mid Canterbury Branch, the Canterbury Westland Branch and the Hawke’s Bay Branch.  Also effected are this week’s face-to-face meetings of the Institute of Commercial Property Managers (COMPRO) and Institute of Property and Advisors (IPAC) councils. Instead of these taking place in-person, we will be hosting these meetings via audio/video conferencing to minimise travel and reduce any health risks to members and staff. 

This will also effect the planned networking function in Wellington tomorrow night (Wednesday) and those who have registered to attend this event have been advised of its cancellation.
A Young Professionals event in Christchurch has also been postponed, with registered participants being informed individually via email.

  • We will be proceeding with our webinar programme, subject to presenter availability. One of our webinars (today's Withers Tsang IRD software update) has been postponed due to restrictions which have disrupted the travel plans of our presenter. 

Because we are a dynamic and technology savvy organisation we are well positioned to continue to deliver member services via other means.  This may involve PINZ instructing and directing presenters on how they can initiate webinars from their own location/s and more online learning.  We do, however, hope to minimise disruption and although we may not have the trained personnel on hand to provide technical assistance - we will work hard to ensure our high standards are maintained.

Because this is a moving situation, we will keep our current measures under constant review.

In the coming days we do expect to be giving members more advice on PINZ activity and our response to the pandemic.  Our professional Councils are considering specific advice for their members working in higher risk situations. You can be assured this will not be our last notice on this issue.

There are likely to be a number of difficult decisions awaiting all of us in the coming weeks/months and we are here to support you in whatever way we can.

The PINZ national support team has confirmed and tested their ability to continue member services by working remotely from home (should that be required) and in the current circumstances we are committed to maintaining business as usual to the best of our abilities.
 
We are also refraining from offering any health advice on how to deal with the COVID-19. This is an individual decision which should be based on your own circumstances, your own health & safety strategies, and the best official advice available.

To access the Ministry of Health’s website please click HERE for the latest information from the medical experts.
 
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Viv Gurrey
Chief Executive Officer
Property Institute of New Zealand


To view the latest advice from the New Zealand Ministry of Health click HERE

To access the latest World Health Organisation advice click HERE.