I am delighted to present you with the 2022/2023 Annual Report for SCA (NZ). As we come together to reflect on this past year, I cannot help but be inspired by the remarkable progress that we all have achieved together, as a collective and united voice for our burgeoning industry.

Strata is complex, and different strata communities all have a set of unique needs and circumstances. This leaves us with the task of not only tackling diverse challenges, but fostering unprecedented opportunities for change. It has truly been a year of change for our Country as a whole too.

As the peak strata industry association in New Zealand, advocating for the progression and improvement of our sector has always been at the heart of our mission. Over the past year, our dedicated executive, in collaboration with industry stakeholders and government partners, undertook numerous initiatives to champion the interests of our members, and to make our voice heard.

It will come as no surprise that this year, a considerable amount of our time and effort was centred around the introduction of the Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2022. As key contributors to the development of the bill since its initial inception, and while we all agree the reforms are far from perfect, we were proud to see progress and support the implementation of the much-needed amendments to the Unit Titles Act 2010. A new disclosure regime, new dispute resolution rules and fees, measures to raise body corporate manager standards and new powers for the regulator were among a few of the many changes brought about.

However, the evolving regulatory landscape was not the only pertinent policy issue addressed this year. Most notably, New Zealand (like many other jurisdictions) has seen a shift in its approach towards renewable energy, accelerating its path towards a zero-carbon future. In line with that endeavour, SCA (NZ) ensured we were a core contributor to the consultative process surrounding the NZ Government’s long-term strategic vision for its national EV charging infrastructure system, championing the needs and interests of strata.

Further, with the ever-growing Residents Societies paradigm, the changes to the Incorporated Societies landscape, have also been a focus with consultation and implementation this year.

Education always has, and continues to be, a cornerstone of our organisation. This year, we expanded our educational offerings even more, remaining steadfast in our commitment to equip members with the best possible advice, knowledge, and tools to build a more empowered strata management community in NZ.

In particular, our Unit Titles Amendment Act Reforms Webinar series saw tremendous attendance and engagement. Welcoming in contributors from all corners of the industry, from managers to lawyers to engineers, we successfully explored the shifts in the unit titles landscape and helped to usher in a new and improved era of requirements for strata management professionals and stakeholders.

Similarly, our online training events, like our NZ 100 and committee training, were in high demand, allowing interested stakeholders to join in from anywhere to receive practical, constructive and useful information to aid in their roles and responsibilities.

We also saw a return to normalcy this year, that allowed us for the first time in a long time to come together in person to engage, network and celebrate. From our JV ADLS/SCA (NZ) Unit Titles/Bodies Corporate Conference to our SCA (NZ) Senior Leaders Retreat, we were excited at the opportunity for our members to interact with peers, to share experiences, ideas and to foster fellowships within our growing industry.

I would be remiss to not mention the dedication and commitment exhibited by our board members, volunteers, industry partners, staff and members over the year. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your tireless efforts and support, without which we would
be far from where we are today. I have no doubt that our continued collective commitment will drive us to even greater heights.

Together, we have achieved some remarkable things. As we look ahead, there is a lot to be excited about. The recently introduced legislation will bring about the advent of new challenges. It is through these challenges that we can evolve and grown stronger, embracing these obstacles as opportunities for innovation and improvement.

I feel this is an opportune time to announce that I will be stepping down as SCA New Zealand President at the AGM this year. It has truly been a privileged roller-coaster to evolve alongside such an assorted group of industry colleagues! I am so proud of what we have achieved, and the camaraderie along the way. The culture of SCA (NZ) requires an engaged, passionate Executive Chapter that leads with a strong industry and customer service mindset, commercial acumen and a focus on problem solving. I would like to encourage our members to lean in and join the Committee, and welcome the experience and fresh ideas of our diverse membership.

As we move forward into a new era, let us remain steadfast united and moving forward as a unified voice, leading the way for what we know is one of New Zealand’s most essential and decisive sectors.

As a collective, we will continue to shape the future of strata living in New Zealand.

Yours Sincerely,

Joanne Barreto
Director Property 101 Group & SCA (NZ) President