The Newsletter is an important means of distributing information to members on a regular basis. Originally the Newsletter was sent out after each Executive meeting to all members via the branches who distributed them, executive members shared responsibility for writing this Newsletter.
The Newsletter is an important means of distributing information to members on a regular basis. Originally the Newsletter was sent out after each Executive meeting to all members via the branches who distributed them, executive members shared responsibility for writing this Newsletter. The frequency of branch newsletters was very variable. In 1987 Enid Whiteling wrote the newsletter, and from 1987 media publicity on physiotherapy matters was placed in the Newsletter for circulation. It had been placed in the journal, but timing of the journal meant that some material was out of date. As well as situations vacant and educational courses were placed in the newsletter.
Executive were concerned in 1987 that some Committees were not making use of the newsletter for communication and they were asked for a report however brief to be included in the newsletter. A new newsletter cover was developed in 1988, and Group Pharmaceutical’s agreed to sponsor the National Newsletter in September 1989. Posting costs were $600, and printing costs $650 - $850.
In March 1989 the newsletter was written by Margot Skinner because Enid Whiteling was out of the country. Eileen Lamb edited the July 1989 newsletter, then Barbara Hetherington.
In June 1990 Executive was determined to improve communication to the members directly and to promote the value of membership of the NZSP as well as increasing the membership drive. The Newsletter was seen as a very important way of directly linking members to the National Office activities and members were also encouraged the use the medium of the National newsletter to communicate. Although postage and printing costs would now become a significant budget item Executive agreed that the expenditure would be a priority and 10 issues per year would be published.
Margot Skinner edited the Newsletter in 1990 giving it a new format in September 1990. She continued to edit it from 1991 to 1995, with occasional issues being done by other Executive members. Branches and SIGs were encouraged to use the Educational Calendar of Events to list courses, meetings and seminars. Executive were determined that there should be 10 issues per year.
The new look newsletter enabled members to be informed directly of current issues in physiotherapy. Occasional “stop press” and special issues were also printed and members encouraged to campaign on critical issues such as funding for the 4th year undergraduate degree programme. Details of meetings with other Health related groups were published.
At a local level members, with their MPs comments on draft submissions could also be called for and communicated to members. Highlights from Executive meetings were also included in the newsletter. Another comment in the mid 1990’s was that Executive summaries were written and circulated to branches, SIGs and standing Committee within three days of Executive meetings.
The Newsletter has grown significantly in size over the years from eight pages in 1993 to 40 pages in 1999.
Through the 1990’s there were great advances in technology. In 1990 hand written draft copy was posted to Wellington for typing, then printing. Later copy was placed on the computer. This progressed to faxing material to National Office. When “pagemaker” became available in 1994 there was potential for a change in layout and the use of photographs. Today copy can be emailed to National Office, where the Newsletter is laid out and sent by disc to the printer. As the Newsletter grew in size so did the use of modern technology.
New features were introduced in November 1993 with articles about branch activities. Margot wrote about Executive policy and about professional accountability. Advertisements from overseas personnel recruitment groups were no longer accepted for printing in the newsletter in 1993, and went to the Journal. By June 1994 the cost of including photographs was considered, the first photograph appeared in October 1994.
J.Thorne took over the editing of the Newsletter from May 1995. In May 1995 a short bullet points type Newsletter was written and circulated prior to the AGM on 20 May. M.Skinner collated the Newsletter for an early issue in June with matters relating to resolutions of the AGM to be included in the Newsletter. In February 1996 it was noted that members view the newsletter as very informative.
After the appointment of the Executive Officer 1996, National Office took over much of the writing of articles for the newsletter and an analysis of the cost of production and distribution was undertaken. Members were encouraged to use the Newsletter for “free” advertising; the number of vacancies being advertised increased and greater use was made of photos and graphics and a new format developed. From 1999 National Office wrote a column about its activities and noted the number of letters, faxes and emails sent and received, as well as meetings attended by Society Officers.
Marketing written usually by Lee Gardiner from November 1993 until July 1996.
Internet written by Eric Dombroski - from June 1996 and continuing in 1999.
Reflections on Ethics from July 1996 until the end of that year. There were five series in 1997 and in nearly every Newsletter in 1998.
Research was started by Margaret Moon in April 1997 and continued by Sue Lord. It has appeared in every issue since and continues in 1999.
WCPT is mentioned from time to time
Quality from June 1996 until August 1997.
Public Sector Column (replacing a Public Sector Newsletter) began in October 1997 and has continued in every issue since.
The Notice Board was introduced in December 1996; and the List of Contents in October 1997.
New Members were listed from October 1998; and McMos has advertised in every issue since February 1994.
College News started in March 1997, although it has its own newsletter this reminded NZSP members of the College’s role.
Branches were profiled in a number of issues - Waikato/Bay of Plenty in September 1996; Canterbury Branch October 1996; Otago Branch April 1997
SIGs - Physiotherapy in the Elderly in September 1996; Neurological SIG in October 1996; PAPMA February 1997.
Profiles of Individuals 29 members have been profiled in the Newsletter since February 1994. They include Presidents and Executive members, National Office staff and a variety of members who have contributed something special to the profession.
Notes of distinctions awarded and obituaries are published when relevant.
The cover featured the new colours and logo from November 1997. Every Newsletter features what used to be President’s Comment, but is now sometimes written by an Executive member.
Genevieve Morrissey was appointed Communications Officer in July 1999, one of her first tasks was to compile and publish the Newsletter for August 1999.
The Newsletter continues to be a most useful medium for Executive to inform members about coming events, and especially about legislative changes. This has never been more true than in 1999, when massive changes to physiotherapy in New Zealand occurred with the introduction of the Accident Insurance Bill. The Newsletter got fatter and fatter in the early part of 1999, as all the material about this Act was published.
The Newsletter has grown significantly over the years - in December 1993 it was 8 pages long and had half a page of job opportunities and two & half pages of courses and conferences.
In August 1997 it was 32 pages long with 6 pages of job opportunities and 6 pages of courses.
In February 1999 it was 40 pages long - there were 6 pages of courses and 10 pages of work opportunities.
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