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New Zealand in focusNADFAS in New Zealand started only in 2001, but is going from strength to strength. Katherine Halliday, Programme Secretary for Hawke’s Bay DFAS, outlines some of its most recent successesAt the start of the millenium, Fran Reed from Christchurch in New Zealand was in the UK, where she picked up a copy of NADFAS Review. She was impressed with the idea of NADFAS. When she saw that Australia had 12 Decorative and Fine Arts Societies, she thought: “If they can do it, so can we!”In 2001, with great support from the Australian Societies, the very fi rst NADFAS-accredited Lecturer visited Christchurch to launch New Zealand’s inaugural Society. In the intervening 15 years, Societies have been established in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, and, most recently, Dunedin. DFAS New Zealand (DFASNZ) is very proud to now have over 1,400 members nationally.With eight active Societies, DFASNZ is now able to offer Lecturers the opportunity to visit New Zealand as a separate three-week circuit, rather than as an extension of an Australian tour. While the long-haul to get to New Zealand from the UK can be a bit daunting, Lecturers enjoy a true Kiwi welcome, often being home-hosted, and have the opportunity to experience the country ‘top to toe’.For members, the quality of the Lecturers and the breadth of topics they offer have generated huge amounts of interest and inspiration. They are taken on an amazing virtual journey across ages, art forms, gardens, lives and homes. DFASNZ has been the catalyst for many new friendships, experiences and initiatives. As with all Societies, each New Zealand Society has been involved in contributing to a range of projects and programmes to help promote and support the arts, and improve access for the young. Here we provide an overview of some of the projects and programmes that are being supported in New Zealand.With leadership from Auckland DFAS, all Societies have provided substantial funding for an international research project into Frances Hodgkins (1869–1947), led by Mary Kisler, Senior Curator at the Auckland Art Gallery. While Hodgkins is now recognised as one Above: Frances Hodgkins, Red jug, 1931, oil on canvas (Auckland Art Gallery). DFASNZ is funding research into the artist64 NADFAS REVIEW / AUTUMN 2016 www.nadfas.org.ukAREA FOCUS