NZICA members rally to the Christchurch cause

NZICA members rally to the Christchurch cause

The New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) has launched an online tool that relays requests for support from its 3,000 Christchurch-based members to the rest of its 32,000 member network here and overseas.

With many Christchurch NZICA members located in the CBD and other affected parts of the city, the need for computers and equipment, office space, professional expertise, and residential accommodation is high.

The Equip Canterbury member matching tool lets NZICA members record their details and the type of assistance they require or can offer. People can browse the listings to see what is needed and available, then immediately make contact to request or offer help.

Equip Canterbury is located at http://equip.nzica.com/. After 24 hours, it has already received almost 400 visits from NZICA members keen to help or request assistance.

NZICA Chief Executive Terry McLaughlin said the member linking database is one of the ways the NZICA is facilitating support from its 32,000 members and directing it to the people who need it most.

“We quickly realised that one of the ways we could help our Christchurch members and their clients was by setting up the member needs matching tool to link them with our network of 32,000 professional members who are able to provide hands-on assistance and resources,” Mr McLaughlin said.

“The response from NZICA members has been fantastic. Like the rest of New Zealand, they’re all looking for practical ways to help. There are already some excellent channels for providing general offers of assistance to the people of Christchurch. Equip Canterbury complements these by providing an avenue to request and offer some of the specialised resources that are relevant to our professional members.

“This tool is a good way for our members to directly assist their colleagues in Christchurch as they begin to administer emergency funds and support payments and start rebuilding their clients’ businesses.”

The NZICA has also set up a special section of its website devoted to the earthquake and support available at http://www.nzica.com/earthquake.aspx.

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