PrintNZ has appointed Images Unlimited managing director Jonathan Lewis to its board as the orgnaisation bids farewell to past president John Boyle. Lewis’s appointment sees PrintNZ expanding its reach into wide format printing and signmaking, sectors not previously represented in-depth on the board. The current board comprises: president Dan Blackbourn from NZME Print; David Jack, Permark Industries; Mark O’Grady, New Zealand Print; Tony Sayle, Jenkins Freshpac; Lisa Hegh, BJ Ball Papers; Jonathan Lewis, Images Unlimited; and John Boyle, Rainbow Print.
Jonathan Lewis, ready to take on a new role as a PrintNZ board member
Lewis says he wants to attract, “members from related sectors that are more representative of what is happening in the marketplace. Printing is a fast-moving field and the traditional boundaries between different methods are becoming grey. “I feel that this needs to be embraced by all printers in New Zealand for the good of all linked to the industry. The industry we see today will be very different in 10 years’ time.†He sees the acceptance of change and embracing of new technology as becoming ever-more important. He says, “An example of this in the sign-writing field is the many digital billboards appearing throughout New Zealand. These were cost-prohibitive even five years ago but now are commonplace. Companies need to be aware of the opportunities that technology presents and not just feel aggrieved that a market has shrunk.â€
Dan Blackbourn, chairman PrintNZ
He adds that PrintNZ has illustrated good awareness of the changes taking place in the industry and keeps members informed through regular seminars and mail-outs. He says, “The regular meetings with my PrintNZ representative have given me the opportunity to ask questions and present my view. This is extremely valuable and has made me feel listened to and gives PrintNZ real information from the coal face. “The services offered in both training and business support are the best available from any industry organisation in New Zealand — this is the opportunity we need to present to non-members who work within the broader communications field.†PrintNZ president Dan Blackbourn expressed appreciation for John Boyle’s service and offered a warm welcome to Lewis, saying that the board provides a strong, united front as it tackles the challenges ahead. Blackbourn says, “The two main objectives in our current strategy plan are to increase members and revenue. “Both of these are important as we survive on memberships, but also as a business with costs, we need revenue to continue to support our members and introduce new initiatives. We are making good progress on all fronts and look forward to continuing to make the day-to-day business operations of our members more cost effective, more productive and increasingly profitable.â€
John Boyle, past president of PrintNZ
Initially elected to the board in May 2009 and having previously served four years as president, John Boyle took time to reflects on his time as president. He says, “It was a difficult time with Joan Grace moving on after 10 years and at the same time the Government changed the rules around ITOs. “Tim Pankhurst came on for a short period and then there was the transition to Ruth Cobb as general manager and also ensuring that the transition of CMITO into Competenz worked for PrintNZ members but also that our apprentices and our identity was maintained. These were two major changes and I was pleased that both went well while on my watch.†He sees the changing shape of the market as an issue for print organisations. He says, “Everyone is looking to see where they fit in the ever-changing market. PrintNZ gets out and about to meet with all members, running local and national functions to bring as many members together as possible, and helping to promote apprentices with the graduations. “PrintNZ can only succeed if all members get involved. Members should attend as many local and national events as possible and everyone that is in the industry should try and do something for the rest of the industry.â€
