FMD, University of Waikato
Issue No: 7 – December 2002
This is the final newsletter for the year and comes complete with lovely photographs of some FMD staff, past and present, and
others from the recent Alumni Revue. The Alumni Revue is a great event and thoroughly enjoyed by all who both participated and
attended (I believe). It is really great to see a lot of FMD staff getting involved in the Revue, both on stage and by assisting back
stage and with the theatre in general. I believe those on stage thoroughly enjoyed themselves and will be back next year. More of
you might like to think about joining in!!
Similarly there was the FMD Hangi a few weeks ago. Once again this was a great effort, and a group effort, with many people
working hard to ensure that we had an enjoyable yet somewhat different end of year function. We had our own resident butcher,
complete with hygienic plastic gloves and a very professionally served Hangi, with bbq food available for those who were less
enthusiastic about Hangi. The night went on well and late but was a credit to all involved.
The third event of a social nature in recent times was the University party at the Academy on the perhaps inauspicious day of
Friday 13th December. For those who attended I believe it was a most enjoyable night, with many commenting that it was the first
time they had been to the Academy and how impressed they were with the facility in general. It seems likely that this event will be
repeated next year, probably thrown open to a wider University audience and I would encourage all staff to attend.
As with most years, this year has ended up with a very frenetic pace in the last few weeks, not helped by us
being down a staff member in the maintenance team. I realise that many feel under considerable pressure at
this time and hope that the Xmas/New Year period will give you a satisfactory break and enable “batteries to
be recharged”.
I thank all staff in the division sincerely for their efforts over the year, wish you a great Xmas/New Year
break and look forward to seeing you all back in the new year.
John Cameron, Director, Facilities Management
FMD Takes Third!
Security Reminder
Your intrepid FMD team, Flying Might Damage, showed its true
colours by coming in third out of 15 teams in the Iguana Restaurant
Outdoor Tournament last Thursday. This was the 4th and last
module in the Waikato Business News Corporate Tournament 2002,
and the only module FMD entered. Unfortunately, the prizes
started at second place so we have nothing to show for it except
for a good time had by all. The competition involved interesting
and humiliating games like marsh manoeuvres, wheelbarrow and
sack races, and having to perform a team cheer as a rap.
Blindfolds and tying each other up was also involved, but I wouldn’t
want to bore you with details.
A reminder for staff to be extra vigilant with security leading
up to, and over the holiday period.
Here’s some special awards we’d like to make:
• The Blind Leading the Blind Award: Mike Green! Yes, Mike did
an outstanding job of leading our blindfolded team around
obstacle courses and imaginary marshes.
• Break Dancing on Turf Award: Cherie Mason! All those years of
dancing lessons paid off after all.
• Human Rabbit Award: This one goes out to whoever it was from
the KPMG team that completely smoked us during the sack races.
We still think a DNA test should be conducted.
Perhaps next year we’ll consider entering the entire competition so
we’d be in the running for the $1,000 grand prize! Of course, we
have no idea what FMD would do with $1,000 worth of free
advertising in the Waikato Business News….
Merry Xmas from the Porters
Please make sure offices are locked - even if only popping out
for short periods. Lock away valuable items, and ensure windows
are shut and the blinds/curtains are drawn at the end of each
day.
Ensure any petty cash is secured in a safe and where possible
also place your laptop in a safe.
Unfortunately not every person visiting the campus comes with
honourable intentions and with a large number of staff and
students being away it does present an opportunity for these
criminals.
If you see anything suspicious or out of place, please do not
hesitate to report those details to campus security on 4444.
We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas.
Ray Hayward, Security Manager
The holidays have arrived but unfortunately the grass
doesn’t stop growing, as in previous years a dedicated
team of grounds staff will be working between
Christmas/New Year, primarily to keep the grass
growth in check.
How our Summer has changed, the need used to
be applying irrigation and ensuring plants stayed
alive. How our Summer has changed!
Merv, Luke, Derek, Hayden and Ringo
Mark Thompson, Grounds Manager
2002 Highlights – recognise these stars from the Alumni Revue – they haven’t given up their day jobs!!!
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
CAPTION CONTEST
We thought it would be fun to get you to put captions to
these pictures numbered 1-12. Send them through to Judy
Brighting by 20 January 2003. Results will be published in
2003. Please keep them respectable.
11
Facilitation is to be published twice monthly. This publication will be online in 2003!!
For communications relating to the FMD newsletter please contact Judy Brighting, ext 4980, email [email protected].
12