New Zealanders are disobedient thinkers who simply will not accept the norm and always ask “why”, believes Geraldine McBride, winner of the AUT University sponsored ICT category at the 2013 World Class New Zealand awards.
Geraldine adds: “New Zealanders are extremely fortunate to live and operate in the freest economy in the world, unburdened by the sub-prime housing crisis and free to create and innovate - it is our time.”
AUT is delighted to celebrate the success and contribution of Geraldine to the IT sector and New Zealand.
“Geraldine has an impressive track record rising to the top of German software company SAP and was the most senior female in their ranks. Geraldine's career is an inspiration to many. This latest plaudit is well deserved,” said AUT Vice Chancellor, Derek McCormack.
Geraldine, a Zoologist by profession, has applied her specialisation in natural sciences to her global IT career, drawing many parallels between the two along the way. In postings for IT giants on every continent bar Antarctica, her transformational leadership has repeatedly delivered exceptional results. Geraldine is currently working on co-founding a global next-generation technology business in New Zealand.
“We need to start thinking big and start to dream. This will create a high-wage economy through rethinking the way we do business and taking these new models to the world market,” says Geraldine.
AUT signed a three-year sponsor deal with Kea’s World Class New Zealand programme as the ICT category sponsor. The relationship between AUT and Kea, the powerhouse behind the World Class New Zealand awards, is seen by both to be beneficial to students, the leaders of tomorrow.
“Kea sees firsthand what some of New Zealand’s brightest minds accomplish overseas,” says Sue Watson, Kea Global CEO. “One in four of our expats are highly educated, so we want to make sure these individuals are being mentored and connected properly. If we can help the future expats of next generation today, there will be a better connected global nation tomorrow. Together with AUT we can nourish future World Class New Zealanders and friends of New Zealand to make the most forward-thinking diaspora on the planet.”
The partnership with Kea will give AUT students access to the 160 World Class New Zealanders and over 100,000 Kea members who support our international internships and business exchanges. AUT has at least 300 students each year participating in international projects.
“Kea provides a platform for students transitioning into work to connect, to be inspired and mentored by the many talented New Zealanders inhabiting every part of the globe and across a range of professions.
“Students today need to learn to be global citizens and what better way to learn the ropes than through the helping hand of a fellow New Zealander making a difference somewhere in the world and for New Zealand,” says Mr McCormack.
The World Class New Zealand awards have been running since 2003 and include three “Inspire” days held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch featuring current and past World Class New Zealand award category winners. For more information on the awards and Kea please click here
