2007 is shaping up as a busy year for the Maintenance Engineering Society of New Zealand (MESNZ). Fresh on the heels of its highly successful Annual Symposium and launch of the new society website (ME), the society fronts up again in 2007 with the relaunch of the popular Practical Maintenance Management Conference.
To be held at the Rydges Hotel in Christchurch on 27 and 28 June, the conference now forms part of the society portfolio of innovative and informative services to its members and the general engineering public.
The Practical Maintenance Management Conference (PMMC) retains the unique flavour of its originators, Craig Carlyle and Judy Cranston, providing two days of reality based networking and line management presentations by peers and experts alike, with an optional third day training workshop in technical and management skills.
Keynote speakers this year will range from maintenance engineers to industry experts and Members of Parliament speaking on topics ranging from team building to health and safety, HASNO, maintenance planning and employment law.
As a technical group of the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) the society has a role in providing support, knowledge development and networking facilitation. The society has designed a program of modern and inclusive services and conferences designed to be the first port of call for engineers facing new challenges.
The PMMC is one of these services supporting engineers and society members alike. 
The “ME” website (www.mesnz.org.nz) is designed to be a one stop shop for engineers. Engineers, particularly those new to the role, industry, region or country, often do not know who to turn to or “trust” for services, products or advice. “ME” provides an unbiased tool to find and “rate” solution providers. Basic trades listings for engineering businesses is free while upgrades and website advertising is priced to encourage representation regardless of size or location.
As well as the trades directory, “ME” offers a technical library, news, events, training and members only lounge with features such as factory shutdown listings, networking contacts and access to MESNZ publications and conference papers. General browsing is open to the public, however MESNZ membership is encouraged and members are able to access the full benefit of MESNZ membership and support.
To celebrate the new website, MESNZ is running a promotion encouraging input into the new website. Every user who submits a listing, technical link, or trades referral to the website will receive a MESNZ cap and go into the draw to win a year’s free attendance at all MESNZ conferences. There is also the opportunity to win a free subscription to DEMM magazine and/or Electrical+Automation Technology.