Planning for the year ahead.

The National Student Unit (NSU) AGM, held over two days prior to NZNO conference in Rotorua, was a busy one, concluding a year that has been intense, productive and forward looking. Delegates gathered to plan the NSU's future work and vision, and to share ideas and support. They also spent time preparing for conference and discussing NSU responses to the remits, proposed NZNO fee increase and the structural review.

The national executive has produced a number of documents to enable delegates to improve their representation of students. Several of these are now completed and ready to use.

A continuing problem for delegates is isolation, as the schools of nursing we represent are so far apart. The meeting was a good opportunity to talk, solve problems and offer ideas. It was also a chance for new delegates to meet people and put faces to names. Time was also spent on training for all delegates, particularly newcomers.

A taonga was presented to the NSU by board of directors' liaison for the NSU Lyn Latta and blessed by the Rev Leo at conference. The stained glass work, representing the NSU logo, will be treasured and passed from chairperson to chairperson, and be present at all future meetings. Our thanks to Lyn for this very thoughtful presentation.

The year ahead appears to be just as busy, with further work on a position statement on student debt, increasing membership and working with NZNO on common objectives.

I wish the out-going delegates well, thank them for all their hard work and welcome the new vice-chair Jacqui Bennetts. We look forward to meeting and working with the new Tauira Aronui chair and delegates when the positions are decided and would like to thank out-going Tauira Aronui chair Hine Hikairo for all her efforts this year.

I would also like to thank out-going vice-chair Kaye Johnson for all her work, which has been above and beyond the job description!