This week our Network News is all about our Network. The AGM is to be held Monday 6 May at 6pm at Domain Lodge, Grafton, Auckland. Please check the details on our website. Patients, friends and family are most welcome to attend. It is an opportunity for members and prospective members to get together to discuss the performance of the Network over the year, and to plan for the year ahead. 

What is you cannot attend in person?

You can attend our meeting by accessing it through Zoom technology online. Zoom is very easy to use provided you have a computer with a camera and microphone. You will be prompted to give your permission for Zoom to use your camera and microphone, and you will have to agree for the software to work. All you need to do is click this link and follow the instructions.  https://zoom.us/j/413785284

You will need to register to attend the meeting. When you register we will send you a link to register as a member, and be entitled to vote at the meeting.  https://zoom.us/meeting/register/c51e02e387bb7d177c24e00bf0acd2b8

What happens at the AGM?

• An Agenda for the Meeting

The Agenda includes two proposals for changes to the Network Constitution. The first proposal is to allow online voting at any meeting. The Committee think this is important to encourage participation in the Network. We want members to have their say on matters of importance. The second proposal is to change the word “Committee” to “Board”. The current Committee work as a Board representing the interests of members. We work on strategic matters and consider the word “Board” is more reflective of what we do.

• Minutes of the 2018 AGM

The Minutes record the 2018 Annual General Meeting. If you attended last year’s AGM, please read and vote to approve as a true and correct record. 

What does the Network do?

• A copy of the Annual Report

The Annual Report summarised the outcomes of the Network over the last year. The Chair’s Report is below. To read the full report click the link.

Message from the Chair

Kia ora tatou,

The Head and Neck Cancer Support Network is now three years old. Since 2016, the Network connected 230 New Zealanders in the head and neck cancer (HNC) community. We have provided education and support for patients, family/whanau, friends and health professionals. As a Network we have advocated for better treatment, care and support for those affected by HNC.  Over the last year the Network partnered with a number of organisations to ensure the needs of head and neckers are known and understood.

This year was challenging for the Network. Disagreements at governance level over the direction of the Network let to a number of resignations. However, the Network has recovered well, is stable and progressing.

I wish to thank our Board for their work. The Board brings considerable knowledge and expertise to their roles. This year we have committed to two projects. “One Voice” and “Building our Community”. The aim of these projects is to build a strong Network of patients, friends, family and health professionals who can channel their voices through the Network.

This year we had a number of changes to the Board. We farewelled Maureen Jansen, Tammy von Keisenberg, Narelle Hoarton, Cosette Calder, Toni Davis, Olwen Williams, and Liz Gray. Heather Anderson (Timaru) and myself, welcomed new Board Members, Brian Sheppard (Wellington) and Gaynor Anderson (Currently Australia based). We thank our outgoing members for their contribution and support during our first two years.

Once again, it is a privilege and an honour to Chair the Network. I thank you for your extraordinary support this year. We have had our challenges and emerged stronger and more focused. I, and the Board will continue to work hard for New Zealanders affected by head and neck cancer.

Ngā mihi nui,

Diana Ayling

Chair

How can I get involved?

• A link to a form to register your membership, and to vote on resolutions proposed for the AGM (online voting was approved at last year's AGM).
  
  It is important that you provided a residential address. This is a requirement of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. 

How can I share my views?

• A link to a Members Survey where you can give your feedback on the performance of the Network over the year. We are very keen to hear your thoughts on the Network performance over the last year. We are providing an opportunity for members to express their wishes for the year ahead. 
  
  

We encourage you and your family to register, to vote and give feedback as members of the Network. We look forward to you joining us and participating in the management of the Network. 

me te whakawhetai,

Diana Ayling

Chair