Industry NZ head relishes job challenge

By DANIEL RIORDAN

Industry New Zealand's first chief executive, Neil Mackay, may know better than most how the Government can boost business in the regions. That is where he started life 52 years ago, in Pahiatua, before building a career in the private and public sectors.

In April, he leaves behind Auckland and his job as managing director of Budget Rent a Car, and heads to Wellington. The challenge awaiting him there is running Jim Anderton's jobs machine, overseeing $330 million to be allocated to business over the next three years.

Mr Mackay has been running Budget for three years. He says he turned around a company that was a distant third in the industry to where it became the market leader in several key areas.

Before Budget, he had a couple of roles at Internal Affairs, as general manager business services and director of the heritage and identity group.

Before that, he was chief accountant at insurer National Mutual (now Axa) following financial and management roles at various companies, including ICI, and 10 years in Hong Kong, Britain and Australia.

He saw the Industry NZ job advertised in the paper and decided it was exactly what he wanted to do.

"It gives me a real chance to add value to business and industry in the regions. That's my main motivation."

His vision for Industry NZ?

"The organisation is in its formative stages. I have to get to an understanding of where the team's got to and complete strategic and business plans ... "

Philosophically, he says the Government and business form an essential partnership.

"I've worked on both sides, and I believe I can manage it very well."

He has yet to meet Mr Anderton, having been interviewed for the job by the Industry NZ board.

He cites Ireland and Victoria as good examples of effective Government assistance to business.

"They are good models, but you have to make an assessment about how they are applicable to here, what are the features that you would use.

"Then you develop the model that best suits your country."

Does he see problems between the Government and business?

"Not problems as such. I think it's essential to work together in partnership with other agencies and with industry, and it's essential to getting the right sort of outcome."

What sort of person is he?

"When I become committed to a company or organisation, I motivate a team and deliver.

"'I move into a role I become passionate about and take the team with me."

He likes to spend time outside work with his wife, Trish, and 10-year-old daughter, Hannah, and enjoys golf and landscaping.