MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 24 October 2001
Property Institute Holds Biggest Phone Call In New Zealand’s History!
The New Zealand Property Institute is believed to have held the biggest phone call in New Zealand’s history with 441
people participating at 61 sites across New Zealand.
NZPI CEO Conor English said today, “No, this is not a teenagers version of heaven as has been suggested by some.
“This call, of almost 450 people was quite a technical, logistical and educational feat. While we have 3000 members,
they cannot always attend seminars that are generally delivered in bigger population centres. This is a handy way for us
to reach to all our members wherever they live and provide quality educational content. It is an important tool as the
Institute grows its membership base, while customising delivery to specific interest groups within that membership.
Mr English said while other channels of delivery such as online computer delivery were being examined, the trusty old
phone had its advantages, “Everybody has access to a phone and they don’t need to type!
“While it tends to be a “one to many” delivery, questions are still able to be asked live at specified times, and
questions can also be sent to the Institute after the call to be answered by speakers and a response sent.
The Institutes Project Manager, Julia Durrant, who pulled together New Zealand’s biggest phone call said that while
there were some logistical challenges, she was very pleased with the outcome. “Next years call will be even bigger and
better,” she said.
The Institute conducted the educational audio conference seminar of two two-hour sessions from 6-8pm on two separate
days with eight speakers giving presentation on six topics. Topics included the new Asset Valuation Standard, the
proposed new Auckland District Law Society Lease, Trends, Public Works Act Review, Branding methodologies, and the way
forward for the Institute.
“This is another exciting step in the Institutes rapid evolution,” Mr English concluded.
ENDS