Auckland Review

Sometimes I find meetings in Auckland difficult to justify. Not last week.

Meeting Claire O'Halloran from the Microsoft UK Partner Group in Auckland was just great. Any support that Microsoft NZ and ICT businesses in New Zealand can get to 'globalise' their outlook is good news. I am sure Claire's visit will have helped that process for those who met her.

The Small Business Expo on Friday also delivered more than promised. Maybe that's because I unexpectedly bumped into Craig Garner, ex CEO of Tauranga Chamber of Commerce and partner, Helen Cunliffe, now of Business Mentors New Zealand. This organisation, operating with over 1,200 mentors and administered by 14 Regional Agencies provides a free, national mentor network to help any New Zealand company which has been in business for at least 12 months and has less than 25 employees. It does a great job.

And then there was the meeting on Friday afternoon. I suspect I will be visiting Auckland more often than usual over the next few months. But first there is the small matter of Wellington. That's now scheduled for later in the week ahead.