MESSAGE FROM
THE PRESIDENT
It gives me great pleasure to launch the 4th annual for approval, and a key characteristic of all rules is
Residential Estate Industry Journal. It is an even bigger that they are purposeful and serve the best interests
pleasure to be doing so at our 5th annual conference, of the community as a whole.
exposition and golf day, attended by a record 150
attendees.
ARC and its members have spent a great deal of time
debating various scenarios, including future potential
Since the last journal, ARC has been busy with a number threats to the industry. Some of these scenarios include:
of initiatives with our members, running more than 12 1. The political and economic environment and its
chapter meetings and workshops for over 400 managers
and directors. Top of mind has been the impact of
the Community Schemes Ombud Service Act (CSOSA)
and the need for residential communities to implement
fair and equitable internal dispute resolution policies
and procedures. The collection cycle of the CSOSA
effect on investments, value of property and the ability
of homeowners to meet the costs of increased levies
and security
2. The environmental pressures specifically related to
taking control of our own energy and water resources
levy process is now in its second quarter, and we are 3. Staff turnover and succession planning and the
currently dealing with a number of disputes, mainly in need to encourage the HOA to participate in nationally
relation to sectional title schemes. accredited qualifications
Instances of homeowners challenging the rights of an 4. The need to develop new models for the election
HOA to implement rules and regulations have been of directors and trustees to ensure sustainability,
on the increase and many High and Supreme Court accountability and leadership
judgements have reiterated these rights. It is pleasing to
note that the regulator will not intervene in a dispute
bought by an applicant until such time that they are
satisfied that the matter has been dealt with internally.
This emphasises the imperative need for communities
to develop and implement sound internal dispute
resolution processes.
While the rights of an HOA are clear, it remains
important that HOAs continuously review their rules to
ensure that they remain lawful, are properly documented
and communicated, and applied consistently and fairly.
It is a requirement of the Companies Act 2008 that the
rules and penalties are included in the AGM agenda
A detailed report is provided on page 46.
The last 12 months have been eventful for ARC and
our members. The use of social media including
Facebook has become a channel of choice, and the
new ARC website, ARC portal, estate map and forums
have really helped in adding greater value for members
and business partners.
I close off by thanking each of you, whether a member
or business partner, for your valued and unwavering
support, and trust you will enjoy and get value from
this publication.
Jeff Gilmour