Posts made in October, 2014

When I first got to India, the new High Commission had just been built (but not entirely finished).  The Manager from Fletcher Construction, was pulled back to NZ and we were left with an embassy compound 95% finished. I was given a three month contract by the High Commissioner to coordinate the staff and contractors to try and finish – which we did.  Then on the 8 June 1992, we had the official opening the Deputy Prime...

After moving back from New Plymouth to Auckland in 2008, I undertook some consulting work for The Management Toolbox, mainly looking at management information and procurement systems for Tasman Orient and then Air NZ.  However, tougher economic times were rapidly descending, and with the pressure this usually applies on Consulting, I thought it wiser to seek full time employment. FITEC, were advertising for a newly created position of...

In 2004 after undertaking some consulting work for TenderLink, I was asked to join the company and was sold 25% of the shares. Although barely out of start-up mode (and with only 1600 subscribers) I could see the potential for the business.  We struck up an arrangement with the CEO of Local Government Online (the amazing Jim Higgins – a true gentleman) and on the basis of a handshake and a revenue splitting deal, launched LG...

Sometimes you just have to grab opportunities.  Back in 1997, Bridget was offered a posting as the NZ Representative at ASEAN in Singapore.  The same week, Jaakko Poyry Consulting decided to make their Asia-Pacific regional head office in Singapore.  Within 2 months we were there for 7 wonderful years. I started as a Senior Consultant, moved on to become a Principal responsible for Key Clients, and eventually was made Regional Head...

One of the most enjoyable roles I have undertaken was when I was selected from a nationwide search to be a Trustee of a newly formed Venture Taranaki – Taranaki’s economic development agency – and fair to say, one of (if not the) leading agency in the country.  The Board was chaired by the wonderful John Young, a hugely impressive man both in terms of vision and capability. Attached is the press release announcing...