Take a break: Russell Hewitt

Managing director, Compaq Computer New Zealand

What's your idea of a perfect holiday?


Spending quality time with family and friends - no set timeslots, no diary entries, no rush. A mix of sporting activity, a little golf, water-skiing, boating and tennis coupled with a good amount of socialising. Catching up with folks who, as we all do these days, are running in what is supposed to be the daily walk. Eating when hungry, sleeping when tired and getting up when I'm ready.

So where are you going this year?


For our family and many of our friends, Taupo and the Rotorua lakes offers us all of the above in easy reach.

What do you think about New Zealand businesses shutting down for several weeks over the Christmas period?


Well, for 20-plus years I have made it a discipline to take three or four weeks off over this time. It's part of why I do what I do, and - guess what - the world doesn't fall apart. Things just keep ticking over. I know being able to take time off like this is a privilege, but it's one I have created and kept to - even in the tough times. Christmas is a special time for the vast majority of New Zealanders and particularly blessed for many, so getting even a little respite from the norm is desirable.

What's the best thing that has happened to you over the past year?


So much has happened - new role, new city, new home - but I guess still having the family together. Meeting a terrific bunch of people and creating new friendships through business, friends of friends and our neighbours has made shifting to Auckland [from Wellington] a pleasure. We have really got the business pumping over the last few months, despite the conditions, exchange rate etc, and exit the year in good heart. In fact, we have won significant business that has been finalised in the last two weeks across all sectors, which also indicates that our customers are starting to gain some momentum.

What's the top of your list to do over the next year?


I would like to continue to engender more enjoyment for staff and those we engage with, as I think the pressure of business, timeframes and speed of execution required today can be all-consuming and make us boring in business.

What book are you reading this summer?


I will read a few mags but also Against all Odds - the story of the New Zealand paralympians, whom I was privileged to be involved with this year. It should be pretty inspirational and I'll finish Peak Performance, which also has some great lessons about sustained high performance and desirable cultures.

In what way will the year 2001 be better than 2000 has been?


There shouldn't be too many radical changes in Government circles, the dollar seems stable-ish, and business confidence should be on the up. So I guess it will be a level playing field which leaves it up to us to see how good we can be. We live in a great country, we have opportunity and peace, and we're a year more experienced. If we're smart we'll do better things in our lives that enrich both our own situation and those with whom we come into contact.