Local Area Networks

NZAOT has a number of Local Area Networks (LANs) – the purpose is to bring together members of the Association who work in a particular geographical area, regardless of their employment situation or practice area. NZAOT also has Special Interests Groups (SIG’s) which tend to be focused around specific practice areas.

The objects of a LAN include:

• To share information and ideas
• To discuss matters of common interest
• To network
• To socialize
• To provide each other with professional support
• To provide feedback on issues relevant to the profession as part of an NZAOT consultation process

Each group chooses where and when/how often to meet. Some groups are quite formal and have a professional focus and may even keep minutes; others favour a more informal social focus. There are areas where there is currently not an organized LAN meeting – is there one near you and do you participate?

How do I join a LAN in my area?

Most areas are organized into LANs with a convenor that is responsible for co-ordinating local get together. Click on the map area you live in to access your LAN pages.

My area does not have a LAN – what can I do?

• Talk to some of your colleagues where you work and live
• Find out if there might be support for beginning a LAN
• Find a venue and a suitable after work time to meet – often hospitals or rest homes are willing to allow a room to be used after work
• Find a topic to discuss or someone willing to present on a topic – the first meeting might well be a group discussion of the form and focus of the LAN
• Contact national office for a full email list of members in your LAN area
• Email local members and invite them to a LAN meeting

The details of my LAN group are not current

Contact national office and indicate what the preferred content for your LAN page should be.