Graham Chase and Louis Armstrong began their Oceania visit on 15 February in Sydney, travelling to Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and then on to New Zealand visiting Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.  

Highly informative and interactive meetings were held with more than 50 Australian and New Zealand property industry leaders, academics, heads of government departments, politicians and trade bodies, stimulating much interest and enthusiasm for not only the RICS but chartered surveyors in general. 

The tour focussed on establishing relationships with major employers in the property industry and to promote the RICS branding and status with government and legislative bodies.  

The visit also provided the opportunity to formally launch the first New Zealand guidance note on Reinstatement Guidelines for all stakeholders in commercial tenancies.  

These seminars were so well received they have provided a significant base for this guidance note to be accepted throughout the New Zealand property market as the definitive guide for use in the legal fraternity, by building owners and tenants alike. 

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by both Louis and Graham with the Property Council of Australia and the Real Estate Institute of Australia. 

This agreement is to work together with other major industry bodies on matters of importance to the property community including sustainability, research and the impact of movements in the global capital markets. 

This fast paced and interest packed tour covered seven major cities in a 12 day period.  

In addition to the seminars and academic, government and major account meetings, it also covered more than half a dozen meetings with like minded associations,  an Oceania Board meeting, a sustainability committee seminar and seven member breakfast or dinner meetings.  

The challenge for all involved is now in the follow up.