Dear SCA (NZ) Members,

As we conclude another productive year, I am pleased to present this President’s Report for SCA (NZ), summarising the strides we have made across several key areas within New Zealand's body corporate sector. This year has been marked by significant initiatives, strategic collaboration, and targeted advocacy to support our growing membership and enhance professionalism within the body corporate industry.

1. Strengthening Governance and Best Practice Guidelines

 

This year, SCA (NZ) focused on strengthening governance frameworks with the finalisation of several best practice guides, including resources on communication protocols, annual general meetings, and client funds management. These guidelines help members improve service delivery, comply with regulations, and mitigate operational risks. Additionally, we are in the process of finalising a comprehensive template for a management agreement and a performance review template, which will support members in standardising and improving the quality of their operations. Several other best practice guides are also in development, covering topics like debt recovery and committee agreements, reinforcing our commitment to high standards across the sector.

Please remember to log onto the SCA (NZ) website to access the latest guidelines and resources. The website serves as an up-to-date repository for all tools and templates, ensuring that you have immediate access to support for managing your body corporate responsibilities.

2. Education and Professional Development

 

SCA (NZ) continues to prioritise professional development for members, demonstrated by an extensive calendar of training events and workshops. Highlights included:

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• NZ100 Course: Held twice this year to introduce participants to foundational knowledge for body corporate management.

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• Committee Training: Well-attended sessions on body corporate governance to support committee members in fulfilling their roles.

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• Webinar Series: This year’s webinar series covered critical topics including the Reforms Webinar on UTA Regulations, Strata Insurance Disclosure, SCA Accreditation Programme for Body Corporate Managers, and our recent Wellness Webinar with Bel Ryan. Each session has provided members with essential updates, regulatory insights, and strategies to enhance well-being and operational efficiency.

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We strongly encourage members to take advantage of these learning opportunities by attending conferences, webinars, and training sessions. Not only do these events offer valuable insights and practical tools, but they also foster connections within the industry. Getting as many staff members involved as possible will benefit your team by expanding their knowledge base, building professional confidence, and enhancing service quality. This ongoing professional development supports both individual growth and the reputation of your organisation within the body corporate sector.

3. Advocacy and Industry Collaboration

 

Advocacy has remained a primary focus, and we strengthened our impact through collaboration with key industry stakeholders like the Body Corporate Chairs Group (BCCG) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE). Working closely with these groups has allowed us to address common challenges, share expertise, and push for meaningful reforms. This year’s key developments include:

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• Insurance Availability and Transparency: SCA National has developed a comprehensive insurance disclosure guide, and we are currently updating this guide to be tailored specifically for the New Zealand industry. Our goal is to improve transparency and trust within the sector, providing bodies corporate with a resource that ensures clear and accessible insurance information.

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• Virtual Inspections and Small Apartments Roundtable: SCA (NZ) hosted a roundtable to address the emerging issues surrounding virtual inspections and the trend toward small, or "shoebox," apartments. Key takeaways included:

  • Appropriate Use of Virtual Inspections: Virtual inspections may be suitable for simpler, low-risk structures like freehold homes or garages, but physical inspections remain essential for complex high-rise buildings to ensure thorough oversight and reduce errors.

  • Verification and Fraud Prevention: The roundtable emphasised the need for strict verification protocols in virtual inspections, such as time-stamped video recordings and third-party auditing, to enhance transparency and accountability.

  • Health and Well-being in Small Units (Shoebox Apartments): Concerns over occupant well-being in units under 30 square metres led to recommendations for minimum size requirements and occupancy limits to promote healthier living conditions.

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• Defective Buildings Roundtable: In response to increasing concerns about building quality, SCA (NZ) and BCCG co-hosted a roundtable to bring together leaders from legal, construction, body corporate management, and insurance sectors. The session was facilitated by industry expert Kim Lovegrove and included discussions on:

  • Long-Term Maintenance Plans: Addressing funding and operation of maintenance plans to ensure ongoing building quality and longevity.

  • Owner Education on Building Quality: Enhancing owner knowledge on building maintenance and quality expectations.

  • Government-Backed Insurance and Warranties: Advocacy for government-backed options, including building bonds and other warranties, to protect owners from unforeseen repair costs.

  • Qualifications for Practitioners and Product Standards: Recommendations included regulatory reform to define qualified practitioners and to regulate the quality of overseas building products.

  • Reinstating a Dedicated NZ Building Commissioner: Participants supported the reinstatement of a Building Commissioner role to oversee building standards and support the implementation of key industry reforms.

 

The roundtable reaffirmed a commitment to prioritising building quality as a core part of New Zealand's sustainable development, with ongoing efforts for legislative reform and industry collaboration.

4. Membership Growth and Engagement

 

SCA (NZ) has seen a steady increase in membership this year, with a rise in both body corporate managers and supplier members. This growth strengthens our network, bringing in a broader range of expertise and resources to support industry-wide best practices. To further support our members, we are planning to offer online lunchtime learning sessions and in-person regional roundtables. These events will provide valuable networking opportunities, foster collaboration, and allow members to directly contribute feedback, helping us continuously refine our resources and services.

5. Wellness and Workplace Well-being Initiatives

 

In partnership with BCCG, SCA (NZ) co-hosted a Wellness Webinar with Bel Ryan, focusing on stress management, resilience, and well-being in the workplace. This online session was well-received, highlighting the importance of well-being for body corporate managers, committee members, and owners. Building on this success, we are planning an in-person wellness session to delve deeper into the benefits of well-being practices and promote a supportive, healthy work environment within the body corporate sector.

6. NZ Body Corporate Industry Awards and Upcoming Conferences

 

In February 2025, SCA (NZ) will host its inaugural NZ Body Corporate Industry Awards as part of a two-day conference on 27–28 February in Auckland. This new awards programme recognises excellence across New Zealand's body corporate industry, celebrating the achievements of body corporate managers, suppliers, and support staff. We are currently finalising the nomination kit documentation, which will soon be distributed to members. The event venue in Auckland is close to being confirmed, and we look forward to an outstanding celebration of our industry’s accomplishments.

Following this event, SCA (NZ) will collaborate with The Law Society for a half-day conference on 10 April 2025, titled "Navigating the Next Decade: Strategies for the Evolving Unit Titles Sector." The conference will feature sessions on pressing topics, including:

 

• Impact of Urbanisation and High-Density Living: Exploring legal and operational challenges, from managing shared spaces to addressing resident disputes.

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• Technology and Digital Transformation: Leveraging digital tools for efficient body corporate management while addressing data privacy concerns.

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• Case Law Update: A session led by Thomas Gibbons, focusing on recent developments in body corporate law.

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• Crisis Management & Resilience Planning: Best practices for preparing for and managing crises in bodies corporate, led by experts in crisis response.

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• Understanding Disclosures under the Unit Titles Act: Ensuring compliance with disclosure requirements, practical guidance, and case studies.

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The conference will close with a panel discussion on "Future Trends in the Unit Titles Sector," exploring emerging issues such as smart buildings, urban densification, and climate change, and their implications for body corporate management. We look forward to this event, which will equip our members with the insights needed to navigate the evolving landscape of the body corporate sector.

7. Looking Ahead: Goals for the Coming Year

 

As we look to the future, SCA (NZ) remains committed to:

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• Advancing Professional Pathways: Continued support for structured learning and accreditation, particularly for new entrants, is essential for maintaining professional standards.

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• Deepening Industry Collaboration and Advocacy: We will strengthen our partnerships with BCCG, MBIE, and other industry stakeholders to drive policy changes that benefit all stakeholders, particularly in areas like long-term maintenance, building quality, and insurance.

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• Expanding Member Benefits: Increasing value through tailored resources, practical tools, and regular consultation to keep members informed and supported in a dynamic landscape.

Call for Member Input

 

To further enhance our offerings and ensure we meet your needs, we invite all members to share any topics they would like SCA (NZ) to present on in upcoming events or training sessions. Additionally, if you have suggestions for practical tools or templates that could assist you in your day-to-day work, please let us know. Your input is invaluable as we continue to develop resources that support our members’ success and growth within the body corporate industry.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

 

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions have enabled us to offer high-quality events, valuable resources, and industry-leading initiatives. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to the body corporate sector and their ongoing partnership with SCA (NZ). We look forward to continuing our work together to drive positive change and elevate the industry.

 

Conclusion

 

I extend my gratitude to the Executive Committee, our members, sponsors and the dedicated SCA National team. Together, we have achieved significant progress, and I am confident that, with our shared commitment, SCA (NZ) will continue to support the body corporate sector with integrity, innovation, and professionalism in the year ahead. I encourage each of you to take advantage of our events and resources by attending conferences, webinars, and training sessions and by involving as many of your staff as possible. The benefits of participation include expanding knowledge, enhancing industry skills, and building a strong professional network, all of which contribute to our members’ success and to the advancement of New Zealand’s body corporate sector.