Chairperson's Report to Annual General Meeting, 19th November 2012

Kia ora koutou katoa,

We are fast approaching the end of 2012 and this year has been a remarkable one for the Trust in many ways. To begin with, we have benefitted substantially from the proceeds of the Police Forensic Photographers’ records of the February Earthquake and our organisation will be forever thankful for this donation. It has led to the establishment of a Foundation, the prospect of a more secure financial basis and a healthy bank balance for the first time in many years. Those board members who have been through the difficult times will remember facing the holiday period with trepidation and it is quite something to celebrate that we are not in this position. Rae and Graham Ewing provided a lovely venue and occasion at which we were able to thank the police team appropriately earlier this year.

The fact that our Director Libby Robins was successful in securing a Winston Churchill Fellowship and has produced an excellent report based on her research is an example of another achievement our organisation can be proud of. The report offers a glimpse into the passion and drive that Libby brings to the field of child abuse prevention which is clearly recognised more widely.

The HIPPY project is now well underway with very good support from local schools and showing excellent results in terms of parent involvement. At some stage an evaluation of this initiative may contribute to its expansion in the Christchurch area.

The core government contracts that underpin FHT services continue to evolve in accordance with shifting priorities. We maintain our position as one of the key providers of child abuse prevention services in the post-Family Group Conference phase. Both Libby and Practice Manager Bill Pringle have become adept at negotiating the intricacies of government contracting regimes at the same time endeavouring to hold on to the principles that are upheld by the FHT model. After having provided the service for Mothers and Babies in Prison since 2008 we were delighted to be awarded the contract by the Department of Corrections. 

The Trust is fortunate to have an active and hard working fundraising team led by Beatrice Cheer. Clearly one of the highlights of the year was the professionally organised Duncan Cotterill lunch, but I am aware that plenty of other activity goes on behind the scenes. Our growing workplace donor scheme is an example of such efforts.

The following list of major donors illustrates the breadth of support the trust receives:

Philanthropic funding remains a challenge for us and the support of the above funders enables us to maintain the quality and effectiveness of our service.

Our Director Libby Robins, Practice Manager Bill Pringle, social work and support staff continue to provide the dedicated work that ensures the achievement of the purpose and goals of our organisation. There is a commonly used saying in Maori in regard to the value of people and there is no doubt that the Trust’s success relies on their commitment and willingness to go the extra mile. This is much appreciated.

Finally, my fellow board members play a key role in supporting the operational aspects of the service and your attendance and involvement is essential to maintaining our business. Charles has unfailingly provided financial oversight, Jane has stepped in with legal advice as needed and Liz has been willing and able to fulfil the role of chair in my absence. In addition, the input at meetings has been invaluable in providing guidance and support.

I wish you all the best for end of the year and look forward to the new challenges that face us in 2013.

Annabel Taylor Ph D
(chairperson)

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