Careers

After enjoying a diverse career spanning research, chemistry, human resources management, general management and consulting in the private sector, I joined COMU’s precursor 4 years ago as a Senior Advisor, responsible for monitoring a diverse group of SOEs and Crown entities. I was attracted to COMU by the prospect of working at the junction between the commercial world and central government.

Analytical rigour, financial literacy and relationship skills are essential in the role, but there is scope for the team to use the personal strengths and experiences that the individuals bring to the unit. Team members come from a variety of backgrounds, and I do not feel there is one ‘best’ background for the role – the more diverse, the better.

I value having a balance between my professional life and my life outside of work, and COMU has been amenable to flexible work arrangements. My personal belief is that you have to really enjoy what you do work wise and in my role here, the variety of work and people I come into contact with is a big part of it.

I began my working career with Deloitte in 1996 and qualified as a chartered accountant, working with a number of clients in a range of industries. I was fortunate enough to go on secondments to Miami and Edinburgh during this time and spent my last two years with Deloitte as a manager, responsible for a number of clients and staff.

Following this time with Deloitte, I went to London where I set up a company and contracted myself out to multinational corporates, undertaking a variety of assignments. After returning to New Zealand and a further short stint contracting, I deliberately decided to enter the public sector.

I was attracted to COMU as it operates at the commercial end of the public sector but is within the public sector all the same. The role sounded really interesting and I needed a change.

I have met some great people and engage with a diverse group of stakeholders including Ministers, directors, chief executives, government officials and the public. I also appreciate the values here, particularly work/life balance since having kids.

The work itself is varied and no day is the same. I have also benefited from attending some really good training and development courses.

Kelly is currently on Parental Leave.

I have recently joined COMU, having had a career specialising in agency and in-house recruitment. Kicking off my career in the dynamic agency environment with Morgan and Banks over a decade ago, I transitioned to in-house recruitment a few years later with the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and, most recently, with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED).

Overall, I have gained a mix of private and public sector recruitment experience in New Zealand and overseas. Branching out into board appointments was not a career option I had considered - until I came into contact with COMU while at MED. I saw this role as an ideal opportunity to branch out in my recruitment career and play a part in appointing accomplished professionals to a range of companies that are critical to New Zealand’s future.

We also offer a professional development programme for directors which I see as a way of contributing on a broader scale, lifting the performance of NZ’s talent and companies. Already I have come into contact with Ministers, Chairs/ Directors and a wide range of candidates all around the country, with varied backgrounds and skills to offer in the governance field.

Our team also offers advice and assistance to other appointing agencies. This has given me access to a strong network of peers, and has exposed me to an attractive variety of work and continuous development opportunities. I feel that I have a diverse range of interesting challenges ahead and look forward to meeting some fantastic people along the way.

I have been with Treasury for seven years, separated by periods in the private sector and at the International Monetary Fund. My focus in COMU is on investment and negotiation issues. A recent example of these two issues in COMU has been the ownership implications of the electricity industry reforms.

At COMU I work with outgoing people who are interested in commercial issues. We have a flat organisational structure where team members are responsible for working directly with companies, developing advice and delivering it to ministers. The leadership approach encourages participation from everyone in the organisation. It is a challenging and motivating environment which attracts people who are keen to contribute to financial and economic issues. I enjoy being a manager here where I can develop others in their roles and help to lift the performance of our work as a team.

In the past 24 months we have increased the breadth and momentum of our work with companies. It has meant a greater emphasis on lifting the performance of the Crown's investments.