For KPMG, everything has to come back to their purpose – fuelling New Zealand’s prosperity. And few are better placed to speak to how working with Springboard Trust helps them do that than incoming Executive Chairman, Matthew Prichard.
Since 2016, Matthew has been an integral part of our Strategic Leadership for Principals Programme, travelling to Tairāwhiti once a month to facilitate a cohort of principals and volunteers.
It’s an experience he is not slow to recommend – and, as he explains, one that enriches the day-to-day work of KPMG to a massive degree.
Help where it’s needed most
It all began, according to Matthew, with a twist of the arm.
“It must have been 2015 – I knew of Springboard Trust and the work you were doing, but it properly began with Lorraine (Mentz, former CEO) approaching me and asking me to get involved.”
“I started as a Capacity Partner for the Auckland secondary schools’ cohort, but working with a Whangārei-based principal. That was an amazing year, the relationship was so easy and warm. We got KPMG quite involved with the school, which ended up happening for the following 2-3 years. We have our graduate inductions at a marae in that area, and did a lot of painting, planting and building projects at the school that our team helped on.”
Matt enjoyed the Capacity Partner relationship. Lorraine, however, had another twist up her sleeve.
“She twisted my arm and asked me to facilitate in Tairāwhiti instead – and I immediately said yes. I knew I’d be supporting principals in need, many of them operating rurally and dealing with some significant challenges. I want to help where it’s needed most, so the shift in location was a great fit.”