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Articles from INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS (263 Articles)
Selwyn Pearson who volunteered his services as an independent chairman is not expected to continue given the furore that ensued after the first meeting
JANZ does back flip over peak NZ jewellery body
Posted July 05, 2011 | By Coleby Nicholson
After Jeweller reported that the Jewellers Association of New Zealand (JANZ) called a ‘secret’ meeting to resolve the furore over what its own committee had agreed, JANZ has now done a back flip on its position over a formal peak industry body.
After its special meeting held on June 29, JANZ issued a joint statement with the two other jewellery industry associations, Jewellers & Watchmakers New Zealand (JWNZ) and Jewellery Manufacturers Federation (JMF) indicating its continued desire to unite the Kiwi jewellery industry in a formal structure.
The press release, issued by JANZ chairman Mark Becket, stated “JANZ Executive [Committee] met and, by unanimous agreement, voted to “support the establishment of a voluntary national jewellery body to include all associations within the New Zealand jewellery industry”.
The statement was issued by JANZ but jointly signed by JWNZ president Steve Crout and JMF chairman Greg Jones. Effectively, it means JANZ has backtracked on its position over establishing a peak body – for which it withdrew its support in May.
JANZ’s decision not to support the formation of a peak body, titled the Jewellery Industry Council, caused enormous confusion and disagreement – both within JANZ and within the industry – with JANZ executive director Russell Sinclair attributing the decision to a formal “vote” that was later found to have never been carried out.
At the time, Sinclair also told independent forum chairman Selwyn Pearson his services were “no longer required”, without consulting the other New Zealand industry representatives that had been present at the forum, which was established to discuss the potential of a peak jewellery body.
In the new statement issued last week, Becket acknowledged, “It [the Jewellery Industry Council] won’t happen overnight, but it will happen. These things take time and we will continue to talk with the JWNZ, Jewellery Manufacturers Federation and others within the industry to achieve the desired result.”
The new statement clarifying the confusion means that JANZ will now continue discussions to establish a new, formal body whereas Sinclair and Crout had previously agreed not to pursue a formal structure.
Sinclair has previously acknowledged that “an informal jewellery council” was nothing more than a ”group meeting” rather than a peak industry body representing the entire New Zealand jewellery industry. ?
The new joint statement goes on to say, “Since this inaugural meeting, in February, an harmonious and co-operative relationship has resulted between JANZ and the JWNZ, being the two major representative bodies within the New Zealand jewellery industry.”
JANZ’s new position means that it will now continue to be a part of discussions to establish a new, formal body.
Beckett said he is now aiming for another meeting, similar to February’s industry forum, to take place before the New Zealand trade fair in August. Pearson, who had volunteered his services as an independent chairman from outside the industry, is not expected to continue given the furore since the first meeting.
Beckett attempted to reassure the industry by saying there should be no further misunderstandings because, as chairman, he is the only person that can speak on behalf of JANZ on jewellery industry matters.
Sinclair, who instigated JANZ’s move away from discussions to create a peak jewellery body, is Northern Regional Manager of the New Zealand Retailers Association, of which JANZ is a specialist trade division.
Becket clarified, “I am the official JANZ spokesman on matters concerning the jewellery industry and Russell [Sinclair] is the spokesman on any governance issues to do with the retailer’s association.”
Beckett also confirmed that he is investigating JANZ joining CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation. CIBJO is the international organisation of national jewellery trade associations – membership is country-based and it is understood that New Zealand has traditionally been represented by JWNZ.
Beckett said, “Perhaps it’s about time that JANZ, as the largest trade body in New Zealand, should take a seat on CIBJO. I am currently investigating that and will discuss it with the JANZ executive.”
A country can have more than one member of CIBJO but it will only have one vote and the various country associations must agree on a united, national position to vote at CIBJO meetings.
JMF chairman Greg Jones fully supports JANZ’s renewed co-operation. “The move by JANZ and JWNZ to further progress the bringing together of the disparate groups is a welcome one. JMF looks forward to working together with these groups to achieve substantive results for retailers, manufacturers and all the bodies associated with the jewellery trade in New Zealand,” he said.
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