Australia and NZ institutes sign MoU

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND: The air conditioning and refrigeration institutes of Australia and New Zealand have agreed to co-operate on a range of initiatives. 

While the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) and the Institute of Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers of New Zealand Inc (IRHACE) have co-operated on initiatives and knowledge sharing for many years, the signing of a memorandum of understanding formalises the arrangement.

As part of the MoU, AIRAH and IRHACE have pledged to support the advancement and promotion of mutual interests of educational, technical, engineering and built environment professionals engaged in the HVAC&R and building services industry in both countries. The new pact is said to cover everything from exhibitions and conferences, to information exchange, and policy and position statements. 

The pact was signed by IRHACE president Ashwin Patel and AIRAH president Ian Harwood. 

“This MoU is vital for the Australasian region, with Australia and New Zealand now cooperating to leverage the great work and experience of all our members,” said Ian Harwood. 

“The two institutes have much in common in terms of our remit, approach, and issues of concern. And beyond this, our common interests have aligned regularly over the years, so it makes sense to have a formal relationship put in place,” he added.

The IRHACE’s Ashwin Patel described the agreement as “a fantastic opportunity for both our institutes to share valuable knowledge and work cooperatively for our mutual benefit”. 

“Kiwis and Aussies have worked closely together on many initiatives across several fields throughout our histories. Having this alignment in place for the two leading HVAC&R organisations from our respective countries is an extremely positive move,” Patel said.