I had the pleasure of attending a presentation by Michael Barnett at a Northland Chamber of Commerce luncheon this week, along with about 50 other local people involved in business. Barnett wears, or has worn, many hats - including those of Auckland Regional Councillor, chief executive of the Auckland Regional Chamber ofCommerce and Industry, director of the Auckland and NZ Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Secretary-General of NZ's National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce. He currently has his head in the clouds, or specifically, a cloud, with his Rugby World Cup role in conceptualising and project-managing Party Central on Auckland's waterfront during the tournament. The Cloud - manufactured by Whangarei firm Fabric Structure Systems - will be a venue capable of hosting several thousand people and will promote New Zealand. Inside, Barnett has highlighted New Zealand's creativity with a digital montage which will have to be seen to be truly appreciated. But think sport segueing into fashion via unfurling spinnakers morphing into fabric and then Trelise Cooper garments, and you'll begin to get the picture. Barnett opened his Whangarei visit though, not with a passionate dissertation on the Cup, but a poignant observation about this weekend being one year since he was diagnosed and subsequently treated for throat cancer. It was this weekend 12 months ago in which he played over the various scenarios in his head, not knowing whether he had days, months or longer to live. A successful local body politician, he had approached life with vigour and passion, and the prerequisite work ethic. Cancer, as it tends to, caused him to redefine his views on life, family and work, and he vowed to invest less time in the latter. Until, he admitted slightly sheepishly, Rugby World Cup Minister, Murray McCully, came calling with a request for Barnett to head the Party Central project. Throat cancer treatment has apparently robbed Barnett of his taste sensations. If there is any justice, they will return in time for him to savour an All Black victory, fulfil the role he has played for his country, and keep that promise he made to spend more time with his family.
