Pride In Print appoints new convenor

Long-time design identity Fraser Gardyne is appointed assistant convenor of judges for New Zealand Pride In Print Awards.

Eventually rising to convenor in 2009, Gardyne's background will see a greater emphasis on design be incorporated into the awards. Gardyne is a partner with Auckland graphic design consultancy gardyneHOLT and a past president of the Designers' Institute of New Zealand.

"I think my appointment shows a growing trust in the contribution designers can make to finished print quality," Gardyne said.

Recognising that the Pride In Print Awards have spread throughout more sectors of the industry and involve greater technical challenges, Gardyne said that printers were now more willing to communicate and recognise the importance of designers to a finished product.

"Traditionally, printers could be a little protective about involving others in their work, but I see a great deal of positives in having designers working alongside printers to achieve the best result from a job," he said.

Gardyne believes that he will bring transparency to the judges' panel. "Transparency is something we must always try to achieve," he said. "We want people to understand the judging process and learn from it. That is how we will continue to raise standards for the good of the printing industry generally."

Both Pride In Print chairman John North and current convenor Grant Leftus welcomed Gardyne on board. "The fact that he represents designers is also a very big confirmation of the size of his contribution," North said. "Fraser will, I am sure, help to raise the profile of the Awards a little higher."

Gardyne said that he was committed to the concept of Pride In Print and looked forward to commencing his role. "I care about the Awards and I want to see them continue to succeed and grow," he said.