POSITIVE IMPACT
Recently I attended Craig Stevenson’s STDC farewell.
Over the years I’ve been struck by the positive impact he’s had on the council as the Chief Executive (2004-2017). The fulsome tributes paid by Ross Dunlop and Mary Bourke (at his farewell) were entertaining and inspirational. Under Craig’s leadership the STDC has gone from strength to strength.
Further proof of Craig’s empowering leadership is the STDC is the only government organisation in New Zealand that’s been a top 10 finalist in the IBM Kenexa’s (Annual Best Employer’s Awards) eight years in a row.
During Craig’s 35-year plus career at the STDC, he’s literally gone from the rubbish truck to the top job. This is a remarkable, given he didn’t have a degree — let alone an MBA. Having said that, Craig in his farewell speech highlighted the importance of learning on the job and being adaptive.
Statistics show Taranaki underperforms when it comes to qualifications. Only eight percent of South Taranaki people have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree (it’s 14% for New Plymouth) compared to the national average of 20%. In my opinion, being innovative is more important than credentials.
And I am predicting that Craig Stevenson will be very successful as the new boss of the NPDC. Bryan Vickery
New Plymouth
COMEDY NIGHT
I attended The Big Hawera Comedy Night with a bunch of work colleagues and thoroughly enjoyed it. Apart from having to sit next to a group of entitled and not so young women.
Two of them decided to chat during the second half of the show, not too discreetly either. They were hushed several times by different tables in the vicinity. Unfortunately for us they took no notice, not even breaking stride in their natter.
I took it upon myself to go to them and ask them ‘Can you shut up please, we are all trying to enjoy the show but all we can hear is you two’. Not too confrontational considering their prior warnings I thought. No sooner had I sat down then a lamington came sailing towards me, albeit brushing my left knee.
Nothing further until the end when I was making my way out with my wife, a fully loaded bun shot across my brow hitting the poor gentleman who was in front of me right in the chest. He was
REPERTORY SHOW
The first production of 2018 will be Romeo and Juliet to be directed by Clive Cullen.
This show will tour rural locations over 10 performances between April 13-28, 2018.
If you are interested Clive will be hosting an information/social evening specifically for this show at 7.30pm on Friday, November 10 at Repertory House. Auditions will be held at 7.30pm on Sunday December 3 and Monday 4 at Repertory House.
If you require any further information prior to the social evening contact Clive - Home: 06 278 1005 or Work: 06 278 8979, Email: cm.cullen@xtra.co.nz
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