Kia ora and hello, everyone. I hope you enjoyed a refreshing break with loved ones over the holiday season.

In December, I was honoured to be elected your 2026 president. This role is a privilege and I am committed to making our members’ voices heard, ensuring that you continue to shape the future of our membership body. Building on my activities as vice-president, I’m excited to continue engaging with members wherever you are – across Australia, New Zealand and around the world, in large organisations to smaller practices and businesses, in cities and regional communities.

I want to celebrate what’s working, explore new ideas and collaborate on ways CA ANZ can help you thrive. Your feedback will help us strengthen the profession and create opportunities for all. I will be involved in a range of strategic initiatives, but during my presidency I want to focus on three key priorities for 2026.

First, I want to highlight the positive impact chartered accountants have in their communities. Whether you are based in a city or a rural town, your work strengthens economies and communities. I am very passionate about supporting our regional members. In times of crisis and natural disaster, and through day-to-day volunteering of your professional skills in your community, your expertise, leadership, resilience and commitment make a profound difference. Last year alone, almost 17,000 members advised us they contributed more than 183,000 hours each month. That tradition of community service is something I am proud to champion.

Second, I want to showcase the career diversity available. Chartered accounting is more than a career – it is a professional designation that opens doors to opportunities. Whether your passion lies in audit, advisory, sustainability, AI or emerging fields, the possibilities are endless. Our latest remuneration survey recorded more than 660 unique job titles held by members, proving there is no single path – only the one you create. I want every member, from early career to seasoned professional, to feel empowered to shape their own journey.

Third, I want to celebrate the core skills and ethical practice that define the CA designation. Technical excellence, professional judgement and ethical leadership are the foundation for traditional areas and emerging fields such as AI, sustainability and digital finance. CAs are perfectly positioned to champion and lead in these areas. As we embrace new challenges, we must uphold the highest standards, ensuring the CA designation continues to represent integrity and expertise.

Throughout the year, I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible, hearing your stories and working together to advance our profession. Your feedback and perspectives are vital and I encourage you to connect with me – in person or online – so we can continue to build a relevant and supportive CA ANZ community, through our 2030 strategy.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and here’s to another impactful year.