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Minutes of the NZIP Council Teleconference
30 November 2001, 3:00 pm
Held at the Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University

Present David Parry (Chair), Tony Signal (Secretary), Bob O'Driscoll (Treasurer), Tim Armstrong, Geoff Austin, Trevor Castle, Derek Chirnside, Pat Langhorne, Howell Round.
  1. Apologies

    David Housden, Joe Trodahl.

  2. Minutes of Council Meeting 3 July 2001

    The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed as a true and accurate record.

    MOVED: Tim Armstrong/Tony Signal
    CARRIED

  3. Matters Arising

    3.1 Permanent Address for NZIP
    The establishment of a permanent address for NZIP has not progressed. Steve Thompson has been contacted for a reaction but no response has yet been received.

    Action: The matter is to be followed-up again.

    3.2 Wellington Conference
    A loss was sustained at the NZIP Conference in Wellington. A detailed account provided by Glen Mackie was deferred for discussion in Section 5.

    3.3 Invitation to AIP President
    It was agreed that an invitation be extended to the President of the Australian Institute of Physics to attend the NZIP Conference in 2003. The invitation will be made in mid-2002 to the incoming AIP President.


    3.4 Education Section
    The Education Section was asked to explore the possibility of an exchange with suitable colleagues in Australia to attend their meeting.

    Action: David Housdon to report on this at the next meeting.

  4. Matters Arising from AGM

    4.1 Establishment of Council Goals
    Derek Chirnside spoke to his document “Notes and discussion for the November 2001 teleconference of the NZIP council” circulated with the minutes. The interface between universities and high schools is seen as being important for both institutions. Teachers' evenings, lectures in high schools, resource kits were discussed as ways of linking with high schools to attract students. The suggestion was also made to reinvigorate local branches and get CRIs involved.

    4.2 Communication Strategy
    The first newsletter has been produced. It was pointed out that it is important for Council members to contribute items to keep the community up-to-date. The next newsletter will be distributed in April so contributions will be sought in March.

    Comments were invited on what features are valuable to include in the newsletter. Suggestions were: as much contact information as possible, and contributions from others as well. Council members were asked to encourage their colleagues to email items of interest in March.

    Bob O'Driscoll advised that the new NZIP web page can be found at nzip.org.nz. Information for the web page can be sent to David Parry, Tony Signal or
    Bob O'Driscoll.

  5. Financial

    5.1 2001 Conference Accounts
    A loss of $2014.80 was sustained at the Wellington conference but it was decided that this was of no concern as the conference was very successful. An official account is to come from Glen Mackie.

    Bob O'Driscoll reported on finances to date. It was noted that school prizes have increased by $10.00 and more schools are taking part which is good. The following invoices were presented for payment approval:

    GST for the period 1 May to 31 October 2001 $751.04
    NZIP Web address 47.25
    Postage 80.00

    MOVED: Bob O'Driscoll/Tony Signal
    CARRIED
    Action: A copy of the accounts to be attached to the minutes.


    5.2 Physics Careers Resources
    Ideas were sought on resources to guide students into Physics careers. Geoff Austin suggested that a poster and careers pamphlet using biographies and photographs was very successful when sent to Physics departments years ago. It was decided to update the pamphlet and circulate it to schools and universities.

    Action:

    • Tony Signal to email addresses of Council members to Geoff Austin.
    • Geoff Austin to circulate copies of the pamphlet used previously to Council members to be updated.
    • Each university is to provide two histories and a list of what careers are possible if students take Physics. Industrial Research are also to be included.
  6. Education Section

    NCEA is the main issue and how to get involved.

  7. Accreditation of University Physics degrees

    Council members were questioned whether it is a good idea within the New Zealand context to follow the AIP in their intention to accredit physics degrees from various institutions. Comment was made that it would be beneficial to be benchmarked with the Australian system.

    Action:

    • David Parry to make enquiries to AIP about whether it would be possible to include New Zealand universities in their process.
    • Document from AIP to be included with the minutes.
  8. 2003 Conference

    Preliminary steps have been made for the organisation of the NZIP Conference in 2003. The conference has been scheduled for 9–11 July 2003. Geoff Barnes is handling the research side and Jennie McKelvie is handling the Physikos side—she has already managed to secure Paul Hewitt, author of “Conceptual Physics”, to attend. Council members were asked to think about who should be invited as plenary speakers and what areas emphasis should be placed on.

  9. NCEA Physics

    Trevor Castle reported on some of the background issues of NCEA Physics, including inservice training, external assessments, and internal assessments and suggested that the NZIP be used as a forum to present concerns.

    Action: Trevor Castle to draft a letter to the Ministry of Education; NZQA; and Trevor Mallard, Minister of Education outlining the issues. The letter is then to be passed to Derek Chirnside and David Housdon for input and approval before being sent by David Parry.

  10. Fellowships

    That John Clare be admitted to the grade of Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Physics.
    MOVED: Howell Round/David Parry
    CARRIED

  11. General Business

    11.1 School Prizes (D Parry)
    As already mentioned, the school prizes have been a success this year.

    11.2 Joint Membership with Institute of Physics (T Armstrong)
    Institute of Physics renewals have been sent out, however these don't mention that NZIP members are eligible for a discount on their membership dues.

    Action:

    • Contact to be made with known IOP members in NZIP to advise them of the discount.
    • Contact IOP to ensure discount is applied.

The meeting closed at 4:30 pm.

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