Growing NZ

Careers in are inspirational. Share your passion for what you do and inspire the next generation with Inspiring the Future Aotearoa.

This week we are showcasing Inspiring the Future role model Jack Keeys. If you have a job likes Jacks, where it's a bit different and therefore hard for kids to find out about, then join him in opening tamariki's eyes to the opportunity. Find out more https://bit.ly/3DbJZPS

𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛.
I’m an Agri-food specialist at KPMG, which means I get to do all sorts of interesting things for a job. One part of my job is managing the KPMG Global Agri-network, which means co-ordinating activities with leaders across 50 different countries. Another part of my job is writing newsletters, articles and special reports, as well as speaking at conferences about topics like the future of food. I also do advisory and consulting for small and large businesses across New Zealand.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛?
Working in agri-food means that every single day involves a bit of science, technology, business and other topics which is always fascinating. Best of all, the projects are always focused on helping to feed the world with more nutritious, environmentally friendly and high-value food – meaning I get to make an impact through my work every day.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥?
I wanted to share job opportunities and career paths that are a bit different – as often it’s difficult to find out about job opportunities like mine, but there is a huge demand for people in the food and fibre (or agriculture and horticulture) sectors.

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰?
My biggest challenge has always been deciding what’s the best opportunity to do! The agri-food sector has so many scholarships, travel opportunities and amazing career options that as long as you work hard and have a genuine commitment to making the world a better place- the opportunities are endless.

"Our commitment to health and safety is driven by our staff and contractors on the ground, and it’s ingrained in our culture. We all share the responsibility for health and safety. It’s not seen as an add-on." - Zac Robinson, Port Blakely.

Today is World Day for Safety and Health at Work and International Workers’ Memorial Day - a day to remember those who haven’t made it home from work. Everyone can do their part to improve the health and safety culture in their workplace - workers, managers, employers, and leaders - act together to build a positive safety and health culture.

For more inspiration and resources to help you make your workplace a great workplace, check out https://www.growingnz.org.nz/great-workplaces

Zac Robinson Based in Timaru, Zac Robinson is the Health, Safety and Environment Manager for forest owners and managers Port Blakely. The company won the Safe and Healthy Work Environment award at MPI’s Good Employer Awards in 2021. He shares how creating a health and safety culture in partnership with their s...