Latest news with #RSAs
NZ Herald
22-07-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
RSA relaunch aims to modernise support for veterans, end internal disputes
It also underscored its developing focus with an extended screening of the documentary Back To Timor. In an interview with the Herald, the RSA rebellion was dismissed by Jones as driven by a small group of clubs disgruntled at being told what to do, which was to focus on supporting veterans rather than maintaining institutions that are struggling to survive. The memorial wall outside RSA Tauranga. A relaunch of the national RSA office last night signalled a move towards the generation of contemporary veterans. Photo / Tom Eley Jones, a former Chief of Defence, said a 'generational shift' was happening as the older generation of veterans, who deployed and returned in large contingents from recognised landmark wars, gave way to contemporary veterans whose service was often in smaller groups to lesser-known conflicts. He said that needed to be recognised by modernising the RSA's administration and structure so it 'refocuses back support to veterans, not about the clubs or associations' that were developed to support earlier generations of war fighters. Doing so, he said, would better reflect the needs of 'contemporary veterans rather than the needs of 100 years ago veterans'. RSAs developed organically over years, initially during World War I, and mostly around large military units formed geographically. That meant those who returned home from service would return to the same areas, leading to clubs forming where significant numbers of veterans clustered. Retired Lieutenant General Rhys Jones, pictured during his service, says it's time to modernise the RSA's administration and structure. Photo / Supplied These days, and for decades, military units have reflected specific trades and specialities rather than where service people came from. Contemporary veterans have also told the Herald the RSA's hospitality-focused offering doesn't appeal to a younger, active contingent in a generation less inclined to drinking. Jones said the dwindling numbers of older veterans had led to some clubs closing and others struggling to meet operating costs, draining away 'assets they've gained over the last 100-plus years that have been donated by the public'. Jones said there had been cases of clubs amalgamating and 'they've almost ignored that support to veterans [as] RSA assets have disappeared and gone into other parts of the community', with clubs broadening their appeal and membership. He said a 'veteran support hub', as developed in some parts of the country, could be a better way of directly providing support to veterans who needed it. The RSA modernisation also provided support for RSAs that faced financial or membership stress and needed to move away from hospitality, he said. 'The hospitality-based organisations still have a purpose. The whole aim of what we're trying to achieve is that there's a point of contact for veterans. NZDF personnel supporting local communities after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Jones says some younger veterans might not need help now but it was important to make sure it was available when they did. Photo/NZDF 'Some get that contact by joining clubs and have a place to go – others don't want to do that. And we need to have other ways for the contemporary veterans to maintain contact.' Jones said some younger veterans might not need help now but it was important to make sure there was a structure in place that could support them when they did. 'It's making sure that the contemporary veterans know where to go for support so we can be there for members or non-members so long as they're veterans.' Jones said while those who served often needed support for the physical toll of service, there was also the need to support the mental health of veterans. He said it was still a struggle to make people understand that psychological support was just as important. Those involved in peacekeeping missions and disaster relief, along with war zones, were exposed to potentially damaging environments that most people would not experience and had lasting impacts. Jones said the existing system to support veterans – Veterans Affairs for those who qualified for support and ACC for those who did not – had 'many holes and gaps' on which the RNZRSA advocated, including changes to the current legislation. 'I think we're still set up to recognise physical injury and the whole kind of process is more geared towards that rather than that holistic support we need going into the future.' The RSA's collective focus has been marred by a turf war over the past two years that has resulted in a number of clubs preparing to break away. The service of contemporary veterans is often in smaller groups than their predecessors. Photo / Supplied Jones said those rebels were a 'quite small' but 'vocal minority'. He said the change to the constitution, often cited as the reason for the discontent, 'was not the reason for this rebellion'. 'It was more it was a bone to be chewed, that they could actually get some leverage on that. 'They're not wanting someone to actually look at what they're doing and say, 'actually you shouldn't be doing that, this is what you should be doing', and that's been going on for quite some time. 'It's about clubs and organisations having been run a particular way for so long and they are not really recognising the generational shift that's needed to go from veterans of the past to the veterans of the future.' Jones said many clubs had brought in people who had not served, which had the benefit of expanding the skillset on which they could call. He said those members 'really do add value' but there was a danger it 'dissipates that focus on veterans' and could potentially draw RSAs away from their core purpose. Opposing clubs have taken heart from a legal opinion critical of the constitution process, which they say supports their view the national office changed the voting rules to get their changes through. In contrast, the national office says the process followed was appropriate and needed to meet law changes to how incorporated societies operate. Jones said he could not comment on the legal case brought by a group of rebel clubs challenging the constitution and the process by which it was changed. Minister for Veterans Chris Penk said the RNZRSA was a 'valued partner in shaping Government policy for our veteran community' and he often sought the views of its national board. While the RNZRSA operated independently, and advocated as such, Penk said he was working with it to 'improve recognition for veterans', including expanding the definition of a veteran through a new law. Penk said the screening of the Back To Timor documentary was a great opportunity for those present to share memories and remember those who served, and where they served. David Fisher is based in Northland and has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years, winning multiple journalism awards including being twice named Reporter of the Year and being selected as one of a small number of Wolfson Press Fellows to Wolfson College, Cambridge. He joined the Herald in 2004. Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
28-04-2025
- General
- Scoop
Lest We Forget: Tauranga Community Pays Tribute On Anzac Day
This year's Anzac Day services in Tauranga brought the community together in remembrance, honouring the sacrifice and service of those who have served, and currently serve. Before the sun began to rise, poignant dawn services began at war memorials in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa, and Poutūterangi Marae in Te Puna. The stillness of the morning provided a powerful backdrop for reflection and respect. A large crowd gathered at the Tauranga RSA for its final Anzac Day service at the Cameron Road site, marking the end of an era with heartfelt tributes. 'There was a massive turnout, the biggest crowd in years, and a strong showing of Naval personnel and cadets, which was very special for our final service,' said Tauranga RSA President, Morton Anderson. 'It's been a privilege to host our community here each Anzac Day.' The large crowd at the Tauranga RSA Dawn Service. Photo credit, Hunter Studio. Throughout the morning, commemorations continued with civic services in Mount Maunganui and at Memorial Park in Tauranga, there was a remembrance service at Pyes Pā Cemetery, and gatherings at many other locations across the Western Bay of Plenty. Many cadets, students from local high schools, and families with young children were in attendance and took part in the services, offering a moving reminder that the spirit of Anzac endures across generations. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale addressed the crowd at the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service at Memorial Park – his first Anzac Day in a formal civic role. He acknowledged all those who attended, especially the RSAs for their ongoing commitment to veterans and their whānau. 'Each year on this day, we remember the events of 25 April 1915, when New Zealand troops landed at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula,' said Mayor Drysdale. 'That campaign cost the lives of many young soldiers and left a lasting impact on the families and communities they left behind.' 'But from that hardship, the Anzac spirit – of courage, mateship, and endurance – was born. These values continue to shape what it means to be a Kiwi, or an Aussie, and they remain as important today as ever.' A particularly special moment during the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service was the recognition of WWII veteran John Clark, who turned 100 on Anzac Day. Mr Clark received a bouquet and a heartfelt tribute from those in attendance. World War II veteran John Clark speaks with Mayor Mahé Drysdale at the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service. Photo credit, Hunter Studio. This year's services served as a meaningful reminder of the significance of Anzac Day and the enduring gratitude felt across our city. Council acknowledges and sincerely thanks the local RSAs, community groups, and council staff whose tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured the successful delivery of these important commemorations.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apexis, Inc. dba Wondersign, a GigaCloud Company, Launches Wonder App and Is Set to Rebrand as Wonder
Redefining Sales Enablement for Suppliers and Retail Sales Associates in the Brick-and-Mortar Market Ashley Furniture Leads as First Adopter EL MONTE, Calif., March 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GigaCloud Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: GCT) ('GigaCloud' or the 'Company'), a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B ecommerce technology solutions for large parcel merchandise, today announced that its subsidiary, Apexis, Inc., has launched the Wonder App—a mobile-first, lightweight sales acceleration platform designed for brick-and-mortar commerce. The app connects suppliers and retail sales associates (RSAs) by offering education, training, performance tracking and rewards, providing suppliers with instant insights into RSA activity and greater sales influence. 'Brick-and-mortar retail is evolving rapidly, and suppliers must stay connected to their frontline teams to remain competitive,' said Larry Wu, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of GigaCloud. 'The Wonder App addresses these pain points by providing suppliers with real-time visibility and tools to train and motivate their salesforce. It's another example of how GigaCloud offers an evolving toolbox of solutions designed to help our partners grow, adapt, and succeed in today's competitive retail market.' As part of its transformation, Apexis, Inc., doing business as Wondersign, is to be rebranded as Wonder ('Wonder'). The launch of the Wonder App represents a natural evolution, moving beyond its beginnings as a kiosk app provider to a network that empowers every stage of the retail transaction. Ashley Furniture Industries is the first supplier to adopt the Wonder App across its retailer network. 'At Ashley, we continually seek innovative solutions that enhance how we support our partners,' said John Mask, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing at Ashley Furniture Industries. 'The Wonder App, combined with GigaCloud's broader technology ecosystem, enables us to deliver training and performance insights more effectively, helping retail sales associates stay informed and engaged. This ultimately supports a more consistent and high-quality experience across our network.' Functionality of the Wonder App The Wonder App equips suppliers with real-time insights and tools to maximize RSA performance on the sales floor. Its educational component delivers continuous updates on product knowledge, sales techniques, and unique selling propositions, ensuring RSAs are well-prepared to represent supplier brands. The app's expanding library of training videos simplifies onboarding and supports continuous skill development. Real-time performance tracking enables independent supplier representatives to monitor associate activity and prioritize support where it's needed most. To boost engagement, the built-in reward system incentivizes RSAs with a points-based structure, offering gifts and sales incentives. Gamification elements—including interactive challenges, badges, and trophies—encourage healthy competition and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. 'Suppliers often lack direct visibility into RSA performance, the very people who influence customer decisions and drive in-store sales every day,' said Kaspar Fopp, Chief Executive Officer of Wondersign. 'The Wonder App transforms how suppliers connect with their frontline salesforce by delivering actionable tools and targeted training. With short video modules, quick quizzes, and tangible rewards, the app keeps associates engaged while boosting their performance. It's part of a larger effort to bridge the gap between suppliers and the retail floor, creating stronger connections, better-informed teams, and ultimately, greater business outcomes in an increasingly competitive brick-and-mortar landscape.' The GigaCloud Advantage The launch of the Wonder App reinforces GigaCloud's commitment to innovation and providing technology-driven solutions for the evolving commerce landscape, including the vital brick-and-mortar market. By integrating Wonder's capabilities, GigaCloud equips suppliers with tools that enhance in-store engagement and unlock new growth opportunities. The app is part of the broader GIGA IQ™ package, a suite of technology-driven solutions that power both the GigaCloud B2B Marketplace platform and the back-end B2C enabling system, helping businesses optimize performance across digital and physical retail channels. Backed by GigaCloud's technological infrastructure and strategic expertise, the Wonder App reinforces GigaCloud's leadership in digital transformation, helping businesses strengthen supplier-retailer relationships and streamline operations in an increasingly competitive environment. The Wonder App is a next-gen web app installable on iPads, tablets, and both iOS and Android phones. It is expected to be available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store by mid-March. About GigaCloud Technology Inc. GigaCloud Technology Inc. is a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B ecommerce technology solutions for large parcel merchandise. The Company's B2B ecommerce platform, the 'GigaCloud Marketplace,' integrates everything from discovery, payments and logistics tools into one easy-to-use platform. The Company's global marketplace seamlessly connects manufacturers, primarily in Asia, with resellers, primarily in the U.S., Asia and Europe, to execute cross-border transactions with confidence, speed and efficiency. GigaCloud offers a comprehensive solution that transports products from the manufacturer's warehouse to the end customer's doorstep, all at one fixed price. The Company first launched its marketplace in January 2019 by focusing on the global furniture market and has since expanded into additional categories, including home appliances and fitness equipment. For more information, please visit the Company's website: About Apexis, Inc. Apexis, Inc. dba Wondersign has been a wholly owned subsidiary of GigaCloud Technology Inc. since November 2023. Wondersign is a leading sales enablement platform designed to help physical retailers drive sales and enhance the customer experience. From product discovery to checkout, Wondersign provides physical retailers with tools to optimize showroom experience and improve in-store conversions. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: GigaCloud Technology Inc. Investor Relations ir@ PondelWilkinson, Inc. Laurie Berman (Investors) – lberman@ George Medici (Media) – gmedici@
