If I could

As director of The Suter Art Gallery, Julie Catchpole is already doing what she loves, working with art. But if she could, she would explore New Zealand and the world, enjoying different foods along the way.

If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be...

It’s always an honour and a privilege to spend a day with an artist, especially in their studio, or wherever it is that they create their artworks. Perhaps it would be the British artist David Hockney, if I could also time travel back a few years.

If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be...

Seize every opportunity, be brave and take more chances.

If I could be Prime Minister for a day, I would…

Actually, I’d far rather be the Governor-General for a day, it seems like a much more positive role. You get to meet extraordinary New Zealanders and lend the kudos of the office to advance projects.

If I could travel anywhere, it would be…

I’ve got a lot of exploring to do in New Zealand, let alone overseas. I’d love to see Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, visit New York, and the extraordinary landscapes of Iceland…

If I could have any job, it would be…

Pretty much what I do, working with art and artists.

If I could have a superpower, it would be…

Being able to fly, now that would be amazing.

If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life it would be...

This would be my idea of hell! I love all sorts of foods and trying new dishes. Food, styles of cooking and sharing meals are a wonderful window to different cultures.

If I could only take one thing to a desert island, it would be…

I would most like to take a companion, I’d go mad with no company and no one to converse with, but if I could only take a ‘thing’ it would be a radio, tuned to RNZ so I could hear what’s going on, and rant at the occasional interviewee I didn’t agree with…

If I could be on a reality TV show, it would be…

Generally, I’m not a great fan of reality TV, however, there is an exception and it’s the Great British Sewing Bee which I watch avidly. I think I’d be in with a chance on that show as an enthusiastic ‘amateur sewer’.

If I could donate $1m to any charity it would be…

$500k each to Guide Dogs and an eco-sanctuary.

If I could predict the future, in ten years’ time Nelson will…

Be a compact boutique city surrounded by the best outdoors, more apartments instead of urban sprawl, regenerating wild places and a great arts scene.

on the couch

with Start. director Kipp O’Donnell Start. is a recruitment and search business which is all about connecting talent, and is focused on helping smart businesses grow through finding and delivering this talent. Director Kipp O’Donnell sits down with Nelson Magazine to talk about the recruitment market.

Where did the idea for Start. begin?

I saw many businesses struggling to find the right talent that fitted with their business focus, ethos and culture. I saw a gap in the market to provide a more personal and thoughtful approach to helping clients’ build their teams, drive their growth and ultimately make their businesses more successful.

Can you give us a little insight into what challenges you are seeing in the wider recruitment market and how sectors are struggling?

There is real uncertainly coming out of Covid, teamed with the global economic challenges we are all seeing and facing. This uncertainty means that there is less mobility and movement across the market. Candidates are more hesitant to make a move right now, so businesses need to be proactive and innovate around how they attract the talent they need. Top talent will still look at roles, but now more than ever, they need a more compelling reason and offer to move.

What is currently happening in the region?

The region has a well-diversified economy so there is always a need for a multitude of skillsets across all sectors, and at present most sectors are talent short. We are also seeing shortages, particularly in functional areas such as professional services and technical-based roles. As a region this is a fantastic place to live, work, and play, so employers need to leverage this and be innovative in the way they attract talent into the region.

What can employers do to help retain their talented staff?

Be aware, be flexible, be inventive. Communicate constantly so you can sense-check your staff engagement levels. Not one size fits all, we are all different so be prepared to offer flexible solutions when it comes to your talent. Differentiate yourself in the market as an employer through creative packages and benefits you offer.

As a professional in the industry, what positive changes are you seeing?

Businesses that have never used recruitment or search firms previously are starting to see the value that this can bring to their business. Using a talent expert who knows the local market and understands the business needs, while providing insights and advice throughout the hiring process, allows a business leader to do what they need to do, getting on with the day job.