When times get tough, some tough financial decisions have to be made, with discretionary costs and contributions often pared back. But, says Chris Mackenzie, that’s when sponsorship becomes even more important – as he illustrates. “During the Global Financial Crisis, we decided that – as far as the Keystone Trust was concerned – cutbacks were a no-no. We said ‘Keystone is definitely staying’.” The Principal and Business Development Director, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), of international engineering group Holmes is reflecting on the company’s two decades-plus sponsorship of the Trust. Former Chief Executive Officer and industry titan Bruce Black was instrumental in establishing the relationship; Chris is mightily delighted to maintain that connection, along with colleague Louise Hooper-Smith.
It has reaped rewards throughout, he says.
“We’ve always seen Keystone as being something special. And that’s not just because of the opportunities it offers to talented people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to enter our industry.” More importantly: “it’s the good people that have come into our industry beyond our own practice.” Notable alumni who have worked with Holmes include Lauren Croft and Sam Fredheim. Both very talented, they have since gone on to other professions. Current Keystoners include Iona Manoa – a key young leader in Holmes’ infrastructure team – and new recruit Makana Uele.
Like others before them, they will most likely continue to have some Trust association as their careers progress. Corrina Gibbons-Hurinui (a 2000 scholar) who pursued an engineering career and has since served as trustee, alumni group founder and interviewer among other roles is one such example, says Chris. Tamati Parker (2004) – now chair of the selection committee as well as the first alumnus to become a trust sponsor – is another. Alum Simone Sharp, current Chair of the Alumni Association and Board of Trustee member, is also a massive contributor. Says Chris: “They and others like them have come through Keystone and are a real testament to its value. You see them now giving back. We engage with these leaders within the industry – and we would otherwise have been deprived of such people. We at Holmes are really proud to be a part of that family.”
As a member of the whanau, Holmes does its utmost to attend all Keystone events, inviting a mix of leaders, young Keystone alumni and other young staff who haven’t been involved with the Trust but can relate in a generational sense. It’s all part of a committed bid to promote the Trust and all it offers. Keystone has gone from strength to strength in its 30 years, says Chris. “And we are immensely proud to be a very small part of it.”
Holmes founding sponsor Bruce Black could see the benefits of Keystone long before people thought about societal good, says Chris. Although now retired, he still acts as a consultant to Holmes and also mentors some young leaders. Now the current keeper of the sponsorship baton wants to issue a challenge to other industry members. “Keystone is one of those special organisations we feel everyone should be contributing to. While in some parts of our industry we compete with others, with this, we want everyone to be involved, because it’s too important not to actively participate.”
