COVID-19 MEMBER UPDATE #3: 
A message from the Property Institute President Luke van den Broek 

Dear Members of the Property Institute of New Zealand,
 
These are indeed unprecedented, extraordinary, and extremely challenging times.
 
The uncertainty which has come from the health crisis has now triggered a financial crisis, and the world is responding in unpredictable and sometimes worrying ways. I am sure there is still more to come in what is a moving and changing environment - I send you all my kindest thoughts, aroha and hope you all stay safe.
 
As a proud Kiwi and a Cantabrian (by adoption) I know we can, and will, emerge at the other side if we remain focused, pull together, draw on our collective strengths and help those who are in real need. My optimism extends to our industry. Property professionals will play a critical role in the recovery which will come, and the Property Institute will be a vital link connecting us, so we can share our experiences, learn from others and adapt to what will become a new norm.
 
I’m proud of the work we have been doing as a team to prepare for where we are today.
As a Board we have had to make some incredibly difficult decisions, but we have been immensely impressed by the confident leadership and direction provided by our PINZ CEO Viv Gurrey – we want to assure you of the capable operational and governance leadership and strength at the helm. The whole national support team at the Property Institute has been discussing, refining and developing plan ‘B’ for a number of weeks.  We have been ‘prepared for the worst and hoping for the best’. We have a special team of people with commitment, energy and dedication who bring unique skills to ensuring we rebound quickly and effectively.  
 
Regrettably, the worst has come to pass but PINZ is extremely well-placed to weather the storm.  We have a cohesive team, decisive and supportive leadership and a dynamic membership.

We have been working on the basis that the ‘comeback will be stronger than the setback,’ and we have a clear roadmap to create and add value for our members – and we have tested our capacity to deliver services remotely - in what is quickly becoming the new normal. In the immediate term though we have had to make some really difficult decisions.  We made early calls to cancel and reorganise our Branch AGMs, suspend non-essential travel and all face-to-face activities.
 
Of course, this led to the unprecedented decision to cancel this year’s national property conference, despite the months of careful planning which had gone into it. As a responsible organisation we are taking a leadership role, opting to provide certainty to members, our team, our presenters, and our suppliers. 

Having made the tough call to cancel this year's conference, our minds have already turned to planning for our coming of age - 21 in 2021. It has been decided this will be taking place in Auckland, at the Cordis – so we can take advantage of the huge volume of work that had already been carried out this year. This will be a big deal, as the Property Institute of New Zealand has won its bid to host the IVSC-WAVO International Valuation Conference here in 2021 which will bring guests from all over the world. 

In conclusion, we thank you all for your support and understanding during these difficult and uncertain times. We urge you to stay safe and follow public health guidelines.

The Property Institute is dynamic, agile, flexible, tech savvy and innovative. And we are determined that ‘the comeback will be stronger than the setback.’
 
Best Wishes




Luke van den Broek
President
Property Institute of New Zealand