It has been a very busy time for the RNZFB 2020 team.  In mid August, the Analytical Group signed off their report. This has now been circulated. If you did not receive a copy this can be accessed on the Telephone Information Service or the website http://www.rnzfb.org.nz/newsandevents/Project_2020/groupreport . Alternatively, contact Ruth van Welie for a copy on 03 466 4231 or 0800 24 33 33 or rvanwelie.

On 6 September the RNZFB held its last full stakeholder workshop as part of RNZFB 2020.  The focus of the workshop was ‘considering the possibilities’. This third workshop was the culmination of the ‘sustaining our future’ series of workshops where the RNZFB started exploring how best to be sustainable whilst continuing to meet members needs.

The first workshop focused on developing a shared understanding of where the RNZFB was at and what the future might hold. We came to understand that the RNZFB faces an annual operating deficit of $10 million by 2020 if we continue delivery services as we do today. As soon as 2012, we face a deficit of $2 million. This is not sustainable.

The second workshop, ‘conversations of possibilities’, discussed ideas that stakeholders developed over the preceding weeks. Six stories were created, all telling different possible futures.

The third workshop was stimulated by the content of the Analysis Group report. Participants focused on two key areas: who should be able to access RNZFB services and what is the RNZFB’s core business? Participants engaged in healthy discussion and some clear themes began to emerge. The outcomes of the workshop will be made available in September.

Feedback from the workshop, along with the findings of the Analysis Group's report, will be used as the basis for a formal consultation document. This document will be sent to all members, staff and other stakeholders later in 2008. You will be invited to respond to questions regarding the Foundation’s future through this consultation.

Consultation feedback will be collated and used to inform an options paper for the Board. The options paper will also be supported by financial modelling. The Board will consider the options paper and then decide the best path to take the RNZFB forward towards 2020.