From the Executive Director

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Have a well-deserved break

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be very much looking forward to the Christmas break.

It’s been a very busy year, with lots on, and a lot coming up. So, a restful and relaxing break is high on my list of what I want Santa to deliver at our house this year.

I’m going to keep this piece very short because a lot of what we’ve been doing this year is covered in the enclosed Annual Report.

That lists the highlights of the year and goes into detail on some of our major projects.

And a quick glimpse at it will reinforce what I’ve said about the year in review – we’ve had a pretty long ‘to do’ list and I’m pleased to say we have got most of it ticked off.

So, have a read of the Report to get a good feel for what our team has been working on on your behalf.

Also in this issue is an outline of the plan our new Grand Master is keen to roll out over the coming three years.

It’s ambitious and exciting. And it’s designed to review, consolidate and futureproof our organisation, and position us well for the future growth we intend to generate through our upcoming Awareness and Acquisition campaign that will start early in 2023.

My team and I are looking forward to bringing this plan to life and helping ensure Freemasons NZ remains resilient and robust in what may be a challenging period for New Zealand and our economy.

Lastly - I said this would be a short piece - I’d like to thank my team at National Office and those Brethren we have worked with closely on various projects during the year.

We are a small team in Wellington trying to service a sizeable organisation with 5000-odd members around the country.

And when there are numerous complex projects on the go, we can find ourselves quite stretched.

We also appreciate that when Brethren undertake to support us with various activities, you are volunteers.

Most of you have day jobs and a range of other commitments to juggle, as well as helping us out occasionally on various initiatives.

So, our heartfelt thanks to you. Your support and consideration does make life easier for me and my small team. We appreciate what you do for us.

Looking ahead to 2023, we are excited.

There’s been a lot of vigorous behind-the-scenes activity this year and we’re now set to bring all that to fruition and launch some really valuable initiatives that, as I said earlier, will position our organisation well for the future.

While the All Blacks may have finished the year with a mixed result and will probably feel the odd stone under the beach towel this summer, I feel confident we can relax over the break knowing we’ve done all we could do and that we can hit the ground running in 2023.

Enjoy the break and let’s get into it again in January.

Mark Cassidy Executive Director

The Executive Director and team of five provide Membership Services, including Lodge, membership and administration support. They provide support to The Freemasons Charity

Our National Office promotes Freemasonry through our channels including our Website, Social Media and quarterly Magazine. The National Office also works with external specialists to deliver our Strategic Plan and key

To add value to society by supporting good men, their families and their communities. The principal aim of Freemasonry is the promotion of universal and lasting happiness of all people.