July 2025, Mark Crookston steps into his new role as President of Te Rau Herenga o Aotearoa LIANZA—and he’s bringing with him more than two decades of experience, a deep passion for equity and access, and a clear strategy for elevating the library and information profession across Aotearoa New Zealand.
A strategic leader with over 20 years’ experience in libraries and archives, Mark has spent the last seven years at the National Library Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, helping shape its future direction and running a range of services. Now, as he leads LIANZA, he’s focused on strengthening relationships across the sector and positioning library and information professionals as essential voices in our democracy, education, and communities.
“A key strategic objective for LIANZA is to increase awareness of the crucial value of library and information professionals,” says Mark. “This year, we aim to strengthen our role as industry leaders by fostering stronger sector collaboration and improving our offer to LIANZA members. We laid the groundwork in 2024, and for that I thank Ivy ( current president Ivy Guo) and the current LIANZA Council. In 2025, we’ll build on it through deeper partnerships and sector alignment. I’m very much looking forward to working with Laura (Laura Marshall LIANZA executive director) and the Council in the year ahead.”
MEET THE 2025-2026 LIANZA COUNCIL
Joining Mark in steering LIANZA into its next chapter is a dedicated group of council leaders:
Laura Caygill, President-elect, and Operations Manager at Selwyn District Council
Ivy Guo, Immediate Past President
Shiobhan Smith, Otago University Library
Maia Bennett, Queenstown Lakes Libraries
Rangitihi Pene, newly appointed member
Denise Wilson, Hana Whaanga, and Jo Cocker, who continue their terms
Treasurer Lydia Tsen
Laura Marshall
STRENGTHENING LIANZA FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Laura Marshall, who joined as Executive Director in late 2024, has been working closely with the sector to define LIANZA’s value and guide its next evolution.
“We’re evolving our professional development offerings to be more equitable, more accessible, and more impactful,” says Laura. “That includes refreshing professional registration and ensuring it reflects our members’ real needs.”
Part of this journey was the introduction of the Te Tōtara Capability Development Framework in 2024. The goal now? Embed Te Tōtara into a digitised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) journey, seamlessly integrated with LIANZA’s CRM and membership platforms.
Our work on LIANZA’s value proposition has made it clear that professional development is a top priority. That’s why LIANZA is planning to introduce a new Professional Development Advisor role. This person will:
guide members through their CPD journey
coordinate a calendar of PD events
support peer-led learning and community events.
WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2025
In addition to professional development, LIANZA has set several ambitious objectives for the year:
This year, we’ll be increasing our focus on proactive advocacy.
Secure long-term financial sustainability through a new commercial roadmap and sponsorship strategy.
Ensure compliance with legal and organisational standards, including updates to the LIANZA Constitution, policies, and code of practice.
Looking at different and new ways to connect our members together and strengthen our local communities.
“We expect our enhanced professional development approach—backed by a new CPD role and powered by Te Tōtara—to be a game changer,” says Laura. “It’s about helping our members grow, lead, and thrive in a changing world.”
