Tena koutou fellow members of Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ).
As the year 2020 draws to an end it is timely to reflect on the year past and what 2021 will hold for us all.
2020 didn’t turn out as I had envisaged and I am pretty certain I am not alone in this regard.
While a global pandemic has always been a risk, its reality is a very different story indeed.
TINZ has kept going in the face of this challenge and we have learnt new things. This time last year Zoom was something a car did. In 2020 it provides a vital link to connect people in New Zealand and globally. Technology has enabled the TINZ meetings to continue. We have been able to not only stay connected but also progress TINZ’s work in a positive way.
Thanks to everyone for your contributions in the face of Covid-19. Covid-19 has certainly shown us in a very real way the absolute importance of transparent information. Without the ongoing quest for, and dissemination of up-to-date public health information, we would not have been able to each do our bit to minimise the impact of COVID-19. As Dr Ashley Bloomfield said at the AGM (and I paraphrase) “I decided the best thing I could do was to be transparent with information both what we knew and what we didn’t know”.
I would like to reflect on the biggest change to TINZ in the last decade – Suzanne Snivelly has completed her term on the board and as our Chair. She has made an outstanding contribution to TINZ and to Transparency International globally. I would like to express my appreciation and formally acknowledge the real difference Suzanne has made over that decade.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas and I hope you get the opportunity to relax and enjoy some time with your family and friends.
Lyn Provost
Patron
Editor’s note: Lyn will be receiving an honorary doctorate from Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington during its December graduation ceremonies. See Trailblazing public servant Lyn Provost to receive honorary doctorate
