Horowhenua StarHelping others to be the best they can has always been a driving force in any job he has had, says Andrew Reid, the new chief executive of The Horowhenua Company.
Andrew brings a wealth of experience to the company, some of which he has gained right here in Levin.
New Horowhenua Company chief executive Andrew Reid: “Communication is key.”
Photo supplied
He describes himself as ambitious and passionate for whom communication is number one. Having at times led teams of several hundred people he says it’s important to make sure everyone is on the same page.
He was born in Tauranga, grew up on Auckland’s North Shore, but did sixth and seventh form in Ōtūmoetai, where he made lifelong friends.
Andrew studied psychology and business at Massey University in Palmerston North and embarked on a corporate career soon after, not only working for business but also government departments.
He’s led key initiatives, worked in IT management for telcos like Telstra Clear, Vodafone, and Spark. He renegotiated contracts for BNZ and the Department of Corrections.
At times he’s led teams of 300 people, and that’s where communication becomes important for success.
“I always make sure that everyone is on the same page,” he says. “Processes have to work, especially in large teams. I advocate for change wherever I go but also give people the space to do their jobs.
“The goal is to support others to be great. I am no micromanager.”
Andrew has also worked for the Ministry of Education as well as smaller businesses. During the past few years he had worked in Levin for JB Environmental.
“It’s good to see a local business being so successful. They use innovative technology, identify opportunities and in doing so found a way to reuse and recycling whatever materials they use.”
He established a training academy for people on benefits, so they could earn while they learned, getting on-the-job experience as well as an NZQA qualification.
As chief executive of The Horowhenua Company, Andrew intends to foster more conversations among businesses and grow the reach of the company.
“Students, for example, need an opportunity to forge a career. Having a local jobs means they will stay here, or eventually come back and raise families.”
While his focus is on Horowhenua and the local council, and The Horowhenua Company is the council’s agency and compiles economic data for the council on the local economy, he will also look wider at what other councils in the region are doing.
“We want to explore their plans and any issues they may have come across. I believe we can learn from others.”
He says communication and delivery are key in his dealings with the council.
“I want to participate in their 10-year plan and see how we can support their ideas and initiatives to aid business in the region.”
His first big project, however, will be to renegotiate the THC contract with Horowhenua District Council.
“Economic development is of strategic value for Horowhenua right now.”
The Horowhenua Company organises the Business after Five meetings, the women in business lunch, webinars, futures day for high school students, and work-ready programmes and pathways.
For more see: thcl.nz
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