Manager Pastoral - Mathew Clark
Mathew Clark started working for a government department straight from school as a cadet, and when he left 12 years later, he didn’t expect to return to the public service. His next roles were at Clear Communications and then TelstraClear, as a relationship manager - the “human interface” between the technology and a government customer.
With his significant experience across project and relationship management, and background knowledge of legislation, he was in a strong position when a likely sounding role unexpectedly came up at LINZ. The advertised role of Tenure Review Project Manager interested him so he applied, knowing he had no direct experience, but did have transferable skills. Although Mathew was not familiar with the high country tenure review programme, he was a keen hunter and fisherman and, having been raised on a Southland farm, had a good understanding of the rural culture and the problems facing pastoral farming in New Zealand.
As it turned out, LINZ was keen to hire someone like Mathew who could talk to leaseholders in the high country as readily as he could talk to politicians and senior managers.
And Mathew says he was open to the idea of working at LINZ because “it came across as a professional organisation with a focus on getting things done - a quiet achiever, committed to delivering results.”
High country work
Mathew joined in October 2002 and in December 2007 was appointed manager of the Pastoral team, taking on board all related high country management activities, including tenure review. He’s working now to bring a significant portion of the management activities back in house and to deal directly with leaseholders as their frontline point of contact on matters that were previously contracted out.
Mathew’s team undertake project and contract work as well as relationship management, and they need to be accessible and responsive to lessees and other stakeholders.
“I enjoy being able to make a difference, apply common sense and look at how we can do things more effectively,” he says. He likes to meet lessees and find out what their needs are. “There are always competing interests that have to be balanced.”
LINZ skills & values
Mathew says his role requires strong management and leadership skills, as well as the ability to persuade and influence. Having political savvy also helps – “understanding the machinery within LINZ and across government. You need to have the skill to understand first, and be understood.”
And LINZ’s values are close to his own: “Integrity – doing what you say you’ll do, and being honest. Everyone’s working towards the same common purpose.”
He says the organisation attracts very committed and dedicated people from all walks of life. “There are tremendous learning and development opportunities for staff, and the organisation recognises potential.” Mathew has completed a New Zealand Institute of Management programme, gaining an Advanced Diploma in Executive Management.
