JANZ Press Release

1st July 2011

AGREEMENT TO UNITE THE NEW ZEALAND JEWELLERY INDUSTRY

At a special meeting held in Auckland on Wednesday, 29th June 2011, the Jewellery Association of New Zealand (JANZ) Executive met and, by unanimous agreement, voted to “support the establishment of a voluntary National Jewellery Body to include all associations within the New Zealand Jewellery Industry”.  This reiterates one of JANZ’s main objectives being “to unite the industry”.

In February this year JANZ and The Jewellers & Watchmakers of NZ (JWNZ) facilitated a meeting, attended by seven organisations involved in the New Zealand jewellery industry, to discuss establishing an industry representative national body that would give the opportunity for all to speak with one voice on issues that affect those actively involved in the industry.  Examples of such issues include the need for an industry-wide magazine, an annual Trade Fair open to all and increased funding for training apprentices. All left the meeting pleased to have aired past grievances and with a determination to work towards establishing a united body.  They agreed to survey their members, consider how this would work and to meet again at a later date.

Since this inaugural meeting, in February, an harmonious and co-operative relationship has resulted between JANZ and the JWNZ ,being the two major representative bodies within the New Zealand Jewellery Industry.  Discussions and goodwill continue and the objective is to have an industry representative body that initially will be “unincorporated” with each organisation retaining their own autonomy.  The JWNZ is currently looking at options for opening its annual trade show to all interested parties and further meetings are planned.

Mark Beckett, JANZ Chairman said, “It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.  These things take time and we will continue to talk with the JWNZ, Jewellery Manufacturers Federation (JMF) and others within the industry to achieve the desired result.” 

In support, Greg Jones, Chairman of the Jewellery Manufacturers Federation of New Zealand (a national body representing manufacturers) said that he “fully supports the establishment of a single body representing the jewellery industry in New Zealand.  The move by JANZ and JWNZ to further progress the bringing together of the disparate groups is a welcome one.  Jewellery Manufacturers look forward to working together with these groups to achieve substantive results for jewellery retailers, manufacturers and all the bodies associated with the jewellery trade in New Zealand.”

Mark Beckett     
Chairman      
Jewellery Association of New Zealand 

Steve Crout
President
The Jewellers & Watchmakers of New Zealand Inc.

Greg Jones
Chairman
Jewellery Manufacturers Federation of New Zealand Inc.