I have known Alister Lawrence in a professional capacity for just over a decade.  Alister, in his role as CEO NZPM, has been a long term strategic customer/partner to our business here in NZ.

In a professional capacity over the time I have known Alister, he has led a progressive organisation. Through his journey as CEO, Alister has enhanced the existing co-op model of Plumbing World, whilst acquiring and blending complementary business divisions into the longer term strategic plan for NZPM in support of ambitious growth. He has done this very successfully in what can only be described as challenging times for all business in the wider Building Industry of New Zealand.

One of the unique attributes Alister brings with him is not only his sharp business acumen, but a sense of social responsibility. With true vision, Alister created what is now known as the Plumbing Industry Charitable Trust (PICT), which has raised over $1mil for some of the most needing charities in New Zealand.

The PICT was Alister’s way of putting something back into society from our industry, while understanding the importance of bringing together industry colleagues and competitors once a year to celebrate industry success. The key to this forum was to raise money for the genuine hard working charitable organisations such as ‘What’s Up’, ‘The Foundation for Youth Development’, ‘Stellar Trust’, and ‘The Parenting Place’.  Alister has achieved this from the ground up, from nothing but a real genuine concern for Youth at Risk in our society today.

Throughout all our business dealings over the years, Alister has always carried himself professionally, been a true industry leader and a delight to work alongside. Nothing stands in the way of a common sense and pragmatic approach. Always fiercely competitive, Alister is driven to make the organisation and people he leads develop and succeed.

Although business is always a priority, people and fun are always top of his mind. Alister epitomises the CEO role and the responsibilities that come with it on all levels. On a personal note, I wish Alister all the very best for his future and look forward to the next successful chapter of his career.

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Simon Lavery

GM, GWA NZ