NZAIA members have always originated from many different backgrounds and work environments, including central government, universities, regional and local government, private sector firms and self-employed researchers and consultants. This has resulted in a cross fertilisation of ideas from the different aspects of impact assessment: social, health, economic, bio-physical and cultural as well as involving a mix of planners and assessors. Throughout, our activity has focused on better practice and ways to influence a more sustainable and equitable future.