Today marks my last day at ENZ, as I step away, I want to take a moment to thank all my colleagues past and present for their dedication and passion. It has been a fascinating ten years here – I didn’t intend to stay that long but my role kept expanding and I’ve learned so many new things from my experience here. For me the early days were exciting as ENZ was newly established and our ‘light on the hill’ was to double the value of export education. The organisation was in ‘start up’ mode. It was a bit messy in terms of processes and systems, but enthusiasm got us through. We were known as ‘the little agency that could’. I had the opportunity to travel to our key markets China, India and the US. Some of you know I am a keen runner, cyclist, paddler and I even managed to incorporate a 4-day adventure race on one of those trips to China. Quite quickly International Education overtook wood exports to become NZ’s 4th largest export industry. Whiteboards in the office were covered in promotional sales funnels and ideas for innovative products & services. Then the Covid pandemic hit and being the agile agency we are we were already cloud & Zoom enabled so we just picked up our laptops and continued working from home – watching on as other agencies tried to stand up WFH arrangements. Post Covid I’ve enjoyed the process of building up the Corporate Services team; watching the Insights team bring all our key insights together & the Operations team lift our planning & performance capability. I deputised for the Chief Executive whilst he travelled offshore to rebuild our international links. I hope I’m remembered as a respected leader, and that people enjoyed working for me. I’ll miss my 10 year old MSN profile picture (top right), not a spot of grey hair. My immediate plan is to train for the Coast-to-Coast race in February, I’ll also play a few rounds of golf with my boys, enjoy some family time, have a decent break and then look for my next opportunity.
Matt, you've been a massive part of my return to New Zealand over the last two years. Starting with giving me the job that got me to take the plunge, sell the house and get on the plane. I've been lucky to have unflappable support, wise counsel and the benefit of your deep, but impartial, institutional knowledge...what worked, what didn't and what might work again if something changed. It hasn't finished though, you made sure of that when you moved round the corner. I know where you live, I know where you shop and I also know where we both like to have a drink! With a little more time available, I'll be expecting a top result in your new Coast to Coast age category 😉
Wow! All the best Matt! See you around!
It has been great working with you over the years Matt. Wishing you all the best in your future adventures (both racing and career opportunities). Take care and enjoy the summer break.
Enjoy your well-deserved break, Matt and all the best in the Coast-to-Coast race! 👍
It has been a pleasure Matt. Thanks for being a great colleague. All the best with the training and golfing and look forward to catching up in the new year. You'll be a great asset to whichever org is lucky to get you next!
All the best, Matt, enjoy the next chapter!
Your calm and steady approach to work has been truly inspiring. A true leader and genuinely kind person, you inspire people to go above and beyond. It was a pleasure to have worked for you during your time at ENZ. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours!
It was a pleasure working with you, Matt. Thank you for your financial leadership. You played a critical role navigating choppy waters in recent years – and you always did so with our people, mission and organisation in mind. You can be very proud of your achievements.
Hi Matt Penney congratulations on such a wonderful journey at ENZ. I for one can vouch for the fact that you were a great leader and most importantly a genuine human being and it was always a pleasure meeting with you and discussing the journey that ENZ was on. Wishing you all the best for a wonderful break, good luck with the Coast to Coast run and stay in touch!
Finance Manager at Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
15mWell done and good luck for what comes next. I enjoyed my three years there. Have fun on coast to coast. Suzy.