What are New Zealand’s major challenges for 2012?
The economic climate will continue to pose significant challenges, both nationally and internationally, as the Government works to reduce spending and therefore debt. Selling some of the large government assets is major decision and there will be plenty more debate around this.
Living in Christchurch, I have seen the devastation the earthquakes have caused and consequently the rebuilding of Christchurch. This challenge is both economic and social, but in time the new look of the city will begin to emerge – which is exciting.
How well prepared are Kiwi business leaders to face these challenges?
Kiwis have great can-do attitude and this is reflected in New Zealand business leaders. Living in an Antarctic field camp for 13 weeks, with highly limited access to global stimulus, we focused on the tasks at hand such as living and keeping our team together. This made me realise that people are everything and leadership is key.
New Zealanders are becoming more robust and adaptable: traits that are required in any challenging environment. New Zealand has history of great leaders, and effective leadership can hold people and companies together through challenging circumstances.
What more could we do as country to thrive in the current global economic climate?
Education is especially important as we move towards lower dependence on social welfare and higher rates of employment. Investing further in research and development will open up avenues for future smart technology industries. In addition to the challenging economic climate, we face significant long-term global issues around fossil fuel dependence, uncertain supply security, land pollution and limited resources. We must continually look to the future. M
