AN EXCITING new era has been signalled by the Maintenance Engineering Society of New Zealand (MESNZ) with the release of a comprehensive program of resources and events designed to assist Kiwi maintenance engineers. As a technical group of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) the society has a role in providing support, knowledge development and networking facilitation. However, the profile of the non-commercial society has not been high amongst many engineers, who did not know of the resource available to them.
Recognising that the society needs to evolve at the same rate as industry, the MESNZ has examined changes in maintenance engineering and employment and re-evaluated the ways that it can provide solutions. The result is a program of modern and inclusive services designed to be the first port of call for engineers facing new challenges.
The program involves a regular series of networking conferences and symposiums and a new service directory-orientated website. MESNZ is also in discussions with a reputable American organisation to bring to New Zealand a certification process for maintenance practitioners.
The MESNZ website, due for unveiling this month is designed to be a one-stop-shop for engineers. The ME website (www.mesnz.org.nz) is a response to an overwhelming request from engineers, particularly by new arrivals to the country, region, industry or roles. These engineers do not know who to turn to or trust for services, products or advice and need an unbiased tool such as ME to find solution providers. Website advertising is priced to encourage industry providers to list their businesses, regardless of size or location. General browsing is not restricted to MESNZ members; however MESNZ membership is encouraged and members will be able to access the full benefit of MESNZ membership and support.
New technology aside, MESNZ also recognises its increasing mentor role as traditional engineering head office and technical support is replaced with lean resourcing.
Modern engineers have to seek this experience-based support outside the organisation and MESNZ now facilitates two opportunities per year to satisfy that requirement.
The MESNZ Annual Maintenance Symposium is a one day open case study symposium followed by a second day site tour. This years event, Maximising Asset Performance Through Efficient and Effective Team Management is being held at Rydges Rotorua with a tour to Fonterra Edgecumbe on Day Two.
Complementing the Annual Symposium will be the 2007 Practical Maintenance Management Conference to be held in Christchurch in June 2007. This popular event, previously run by Maintenance Transformations Ltd, features 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.
The MESNZs commitment to providing resources and solutions to maintenance engineers will see both events run annually, each alternating between the North and South Island. Those wanting to find out more about the MESNZ, MESNZ membership, or event and website opportunities can do so by contacting Mike Killick on 03 356 0575 (mike.killick@opex.net.nz) or Craig Carlyle on 09 299 3357 (craig@transform.net.nz).
