The long-standing New Zealand Optical Wholesalers Association (NZOWA) has told members it intends to ‘rest’ for five years, to allow them to consider its longer-term future.
“I understand that a great deal of effort by members over the years has been put into the association, but times change and so do needs,” said former president Gary Edgar who has been acting as NZOWA caretaker, together with NZOWA treasurer Rae Long, since officially stepping down as president in mid-2019.
The association was created in the late 1950s to represent the optical industry in its battle with government for more liberal import licenses and the removal of import duties and sales taxes. “But these activities are no longer relevant, so we need to move on,” said Edgar, admitting the organisation had struggled over recent years to bring together a quorum of its 31 members or to find replacements for him and Long.
At its AGM in September it was agreed the association will ‘rest’ until 2026 without subscription fees, and will continue to be managed as needed by Edgar and Long. “During this time members will still enjoy the benefits of the NZOWA website, rental car discounts and competitive courier rates,” said Edgar, but will disband at the end of this time if nothing tangible changes. If it disbands, any surplus funds will be paid to charitable or educational interests relating to the care of those with vision loss, he said.
