Chairperson’s Report

Fertility New Zealand Annual General Meeting

9 November 2024

Fertility New Zealand and its volunteers walk alongside all New Zealanders facing fertility challenges. At the heart of Fertility NZ is connection - between people, between families and between organisations.

We were founded more than thirty years ago on connections, with those facing infertility forming support groups across the country. Those support groups provided a safe and supportive space to discuss the challenges and loneliness of infertility.

Whether it be through giving advice, providing information, sharing stories or just listening, this support continues to be an important part of what Fertility New Zealand does, nowadays both in person and online.

In 2024, we’ve been focused on reviewing our support offerings to make sure we have a clear view of how best to support people now and into the future. We want to ensure that we are enduring and that connections continue to be made amongst those people who need it most.  Our review of support services was a big piece of work for a small organisation, and I would like to acknowledge the commitment of our CEO, Lydia Hemingway, in bringing this work to fruition.

Fertility New Zealand is supported by many partners, volunteers, and organisations. We are grateful to the Fertility Clinics around the country - Fertility Associates, Repromed and Fertility Plus. Their partnership, including the Board of Advisors that come from each of these clinics, play a critical role in our success.

We are also supported by many other organisations including the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand, Pharmaco, Cooper Surgical, Momentum, and The Good Registry. We are also supported by a number of Trusts and Foundations, including the Lotteries Commission.

As I look back on this year, particular highlights we’re seeing the strength of our advocacy work continue to grow. I would like to acknowledge the leadership of retiring Board member Hannah Owenson, whose vision, passion and commitment will be truly missed.

Advocacy alongside support is absolutely critical to our vision of a country where everyone gets the support they need with their infertility challenge. As part of Fertility New Zealand’s commitment to advocacy, it is a great privilege to be the Consumer Representative for the Northern Regional Fertility Services Advisory Group (NRFS). The NRFS coordinates referrals for publicly funded fertility services for the Northern region, and these meetings give us great insight into the tireless work and care our health professionals and clinicians provide.

We know that in order to continue to offer support and advocacy, Fertility New Zealand has to be a sustainable organisation. This involves having not only the right organisational capability and systems but strong financial foundations. Like all charities we have continued to face the challenges of the current economic climate, and this will continue. As always, we will continue to rely on our community to support us through volunteering and fundraising.

Despite the challenges, our support for our communities continues as we grow this small but mighty charity. I am proud of our small team, including CEO Lydia Hemingway and Support Coordinator Kate Barby, who work together to help make Fertility New Zealand the great charity that it is.

I would also like to acknowledge the Fertility New Zealand Board and thank you all for your care, commitment and service. Special recognition must be given to those who have held officer roles - Treasurer, Natasha Loulanting, and Secretary Megan Smith.

I look forward to connecting with our communities next year and working in partnership with you all.

Ki te kāpuia e kore e whati - we succeed together.

Madeleine Setchell

Chairperson – Fertility New Zealand