There is no point in trying to hide the truth – the current executive took the helm of an organisation with membership receipts in decline, and revenues for The gaba Charitable Trust significantly reduced over the previous two years. The executive’s duty was to identify the reasons for this decline and attempt to reverse the trend.
gaba’s greatest asset is the brand that has been built up over the past 25 years and we were proud to be able to celebrate this longevity at the sold-out Gala Dinner and Charity Auction in August 2010. This event was a radical departure from the auction luncheons of the previous years and indeed, this new format raised a significantly increased amount for The gaba Charitable Trust of nearly $18,000. This format will continue; details to be announced shortly.


Research from non-renewing members identified that while the gaba brand has great significance in the community; questions were raised about the shift away from the social to “strictly business” environment of gaba meetings, and also the significant increase in membership fees with, in reality, reduced membership benefits.
In a strategic attempt to halt the decline in membership, a new membership fee structure was put in place, operational overheads have been reduced to maintain cash flow and a part-time membership co-ordinator was recently employed to lend a more personal touch in dealing with renewals. The monthly social networking meetings were re-branded “Fruits After 5” with a focus on business networking as natural by-product of the social environment, rather than a pure business networking environment. These strategies have led to slow but sure uptake and renewals in membership and increase in attendance at social networking events.


Over the past 12 months, gaba has significantly repositioned itself from GLBT business group, to a vibrant and essential community organisation with a social and business networking focus, which punches well above its weight. Indeed, I believe that this has significantly helped in abating the decline in membership and will continue an upward trend towards membership resurgence. 
Many things are in the pipeline for 2011-2012 – watch this space.

A rebranding of gaba and a re-launch of the website is also in the pipeline.
I would like to personally thank the executive for the past 12 months, Anne Spier, Andy Jalfon, Ben Beer, Andy Smith, Paul Yorke and Roger Hiscock, as well as the recently seconded members Pam Ford, Toby Steele and Linda O’Cain as well as members of the trust who have played a significant role in the refocusing of gaba. In particular, I would like to thank vice president Lindsey Rea for her tireless work on the executive over the last five years, but who will sadly be stepping down this year. Many thanks also to the other retiring executive members. 


Over the past 12 months gaba has adapted to and embraced the future of GLBT New Zealand and laid the groundwork for the organisation’s longevity.

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Glenn Sims

President, gaba