Shae Goom has been voted president of the New Zealand Sign & Display Association (NZSDA). He succeeds former president Andy Lowe, who remains on the board.
Goom, the owner and managing director of Wise Studios in Wellington (known previously as Signwise), started his apprenticeship in 1992 at his father’s sign shop in the Hawkes Bay. He celebrated gaining a trade with a four-months long trip around Europe and returns to New Zealand to work for Hayter & Flemming Signs in Napier.
He then worked at Signwise Christchurch from 1999, first as a tradesman, then as a production manager until February 2021, where an offer to purchase the Wellington branch of Signwise was accepted.
In late February, an opportunity presented itself to purchase the Auckland branch of Signwise, which took two months to get acceptance and approval, and by the beginning of May 2016, Signwise Auckland had a new ownership structure, which includes two Auckland based partners.
Goom, who has started his two-years term at the recent NZ Sign and Print Expo 2023, said,
“I am thrilled to take on the role of President. It is a great honour to be appointed to this prestigious position.
“Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to advancing industry standards and fostering collaboration within the sign and display community. Having served as the vice president of the NZSDA, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the association into a future of innovation and excellence.
“Throughout my journey at Wise Studios, I have witnessed the transformative power of craftsmanship, creativity, and client satisfaction in our industry.”
According to Goom, one of his priorities will be to address the skills shortage through the association’s Signee program.
“I would like to put more focus on apprenticeships through our entry-level training programme, Signee. With a vision to raise industry standards, future-proof our profession, and empower our workforce, Signee has been developed to meet the evolving needs and demands of the industry,” said Goom. “Our courses offer comprehensive training that leads to entry-level employment or an apprenticeship in sign-making. We are committed to providing further training opportunities for our current members, ensuring ongoing professional development and growth.”
During the recent Executive Annual Meeting and AGM, the NZSDA has also named Logan Sutton of Future Grafix vice president, Andy Lowe immediate past president and Leanne Freeman an advisory. Paul Walters resigned after ten years on the board.
