It was a beautiful day on the Auckland waterfront, with the unavoidable and fascinating view of a very, very large cruise ship! The view was only rivalled by the warmth, humour, and companionship of the 2023 Annual General Meeting of Fertility NZ. Along with farewells and welcomes there were reflections and a firm forward focus as we look ahead to 2024.

We welcomed three new members to the Fertility NZ Board - Cara Hickey, Katie Sleeman and Meg Smith (Ngāpuhi, Tainui). These three great women bring a fantastic mix of capabilities and experience to our organisation, and you can read more about them in the Board section of our website.

The Board also farewelled two Board members, Juanita Copeland, and Nick Roberts.

Juanita has been a volunteer with us for nearly ten years and started as a Support Group Facilitator in Christchurch before becoming a Board member and then Board Chairperson. Through these roles Juanita has been involved in many different projects and aspects of the organisation and she has truly had enormous impact for our community.

Nick Roberts was on the Board for two years and in that time he, and his business Momentum, have shown incredible support of Fertility NZ. We are so appreciative for the perspective and insight he brought to meetings, and we know that this relationship will long continue.

Another farewell was of long-term volunteer Karina Wong, a true champion of our services in Auckland for nine years. From facilitating support groups and the Fertility Support Series to speaking with medical students about fertility and so much more, Karina has been an important part of Fertility NZ, and we are so grateful for her service, passion, and the kindness she has shown to so many in our community.

At the AGM we were also able to reflect on the achievements of 2023 including the continuation of our important services, a new three-year strategic plan, the beginning of a review of support services, a refreshed website, a social media awareness campaign and important submissions to Government.

As we look to the coming year we are firmly focused on our strategy, and our organisation’s vision – that everyone gets the support they need during their fertility experience.

Like many other not-for-profit organisations, we are lifted up and supported by many volunteers, funders, partners, and organisations. It was great to see so many of our supporters and stakeholders at the AGM and share our vision with them. 

Thank you to all that contribute to making Fertility NZ the small but mighty charity that it is.