Gareth W Marriott’s Post

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining industry leaders, including Trent Fearnley from the Association of Building Compliance, for a fantastic discussion at our OCS | 1M Industry Insights event in Auckland. The room was buzzing with energy as we delved into the latest innovations in building compliance, BMS, and energy management.   It’s clear that building compliance is evolving rapidly, with new technologies bringing us closer to a more sustainable and efficient way of working. I’m particularly excited about what’s on the horizon – real, impactful solutions that will shape the industry for years to come.   A big shoutout to all our speakers – your insights were invaluable, and I can’t wait to see how we, as an industry, continue to push the envelope.   #BuildingCompliance #Sustainability #EnergyManagement #Teamwork #FutureOfBuildings #LeadershipInAction #InnovateWithPurpose

It’s been a while since I've had time to write an article on here, but recent conversations with Kirk Hope got me thinking. Kirk and I have shared many conversations over the years, but our collaboration during some of the most challenging times for New Zealand businesses remains a highlight. Working together with a shared commitment to sustainability and resilience, we tackled major issues and proved that when people come together with purpose, anything is possible. This article is my reflection on the power of partnerships and the lessons we've carried forward into the future. I hope it inspires others to continue building strong connections that shape a more sustainable business landscape. #WeareOCS #Sustainability #Leadership #SustainableFuture #Business Resilience #Collaboration

After a busy few months, it was refreshing to head down to Wellington and spend time with Neil Anslow and the Central team, visiting customers and catching up with our Advisory Group members (Bill English, Mike Burrell). Running a business certainly comes with challenges, but during those hectic times, returning to the shop floor grounds me. It provides a fresh perspective and reinforces the true essence of our work – our people and their contributions. Our hard-working teams at Victoria University and New Zealand Parliament were enthusiastic, showing genuine pride in their work and care for our customers – whether that’s students or parliamentarians. Site visits also provide insightful customer perspectives, helping us to improve our services and build stronger relationships. An added bonus to the trip was an opportunity to check out potential new facilities for our 1M engineering business as they expand their footprint into the Wellington region. Watch this space! Thanks to Neil, Emma Wildon, and the rest of the Wellington team for your hospitality. I’ve attached a selection of images from my trip. Picture one shows me at Victoria University: me, Karl Drake, Desiree Davey, Alvin Dimatulac, Hamish Bocock, Praj Ale, Mohamad Musse, Ashish Sharma, Michael Munar, Zamir Shaiful, Anjana Niraula, Bereket Kifleyesus, Haben Berhe, Sirad Khalif, Amparo Santamaria, May Sooialo, Yessy Heredia, Hemi Comp, Emmanuel Okoli, Ashenafi Kunbi, Neil Anslow Picture two is at the Beehive: Neil Anslow, Jean Assaf, Anzac Wanikau-Kopu, Orada Wisatwingsa, Melvina Domingo, Henrietta Belmont, Dave Somers, Allan Gaylard, Ana Perez, me, Ma Luisa Tagomata And picture three shows me with the wonderful Ian Stones – he’s been a parliament cleaner for 18 years! #weareOCS #Leadership #TeamWork #FacilitiesManagement

I love this photograph taken on Sunday night of my aunt, Allison Miller (nee Beck), and me at the Tennis Coaches Australia Hall of Fame dinner – celebrating Allison as she was inducted into the Hall of Fame. I’m so proud of her many achievements, on and off the court. From winning multiple regional and national tournaments as a player in her younger years to building a successful tennis coaching business, overseeing more than 500 players each year – and all while volunteering her time in tennis administration as a selector and board/committee member and raising a family. She has remained humble, committed to her family and her students – and can still run circles around me on the tennis court! Tennis Australia | Tennis Victoria | Regional Sport Victoria | Latrobe City Council | City of Casey | Maria Bailey, FCEDP | Andrea Buckeridge | Emma Doyle | Julie Fidler | Carol Fox | Mitch Hewitt PhD | Tina Keown | Helen Magill | Helen Rice | Ann Quinn | Cameron Miller | Sarah Miller | Lochlan Miller | Whitney Hicks #Family #LocalHeroes #LatrobeValley #Berwick #TennisAustralia #TennisCoaching

Last week I was honoured to provide some words of reflection at the Sustainability Business Council (SBC) Annual Council meeting - my final meeting as Chair and a role I have held proudly for the past two years. Looking back on my time as Chair has only served to reinforce how important our sustainability work is for business resilience and future success. With the significant increase in the cost of simply doing business in recent times, it would be easy for sustainability to take a back seat. But it has never been more critical. In fact, ensuring the practice of sustainability is in the driving seat for business is imperative if we are to secure future success and make inroads in reversing the damage to our planet. These two visions are not mutually exclusive. You can absolutely achieve business performance and success while operating in a deliberately sustainable way. This is where SBC is playing a pivotal role across our business community, helping its members and wider stakeholders achieve this understanding and start making a difference. Being part of SBC has been instrumental in the changes we have made at OCS to minimise our environmental footprint and better our planet. Their touch points – climate and nature, social sustainability and leadership – come into play for all of the work we do as a cleaning and facilities management business. Advancing sustainable practice is complex. And what’s increasingly apparent is that a sustainability journey will never be linear. Thanks Mike Burrell for touching on this in detail during last week’s meeting. A huge thank you to acting Chair Claire Walker and the advisory board for your support during my time as Chair. The quality and expertise of this group of people would be the envy of many organisations – thanks Dean Fraser, David Benattar, Neeraj Lala, Laura Scampion, Chris Aughton, Simon Tucker, Angela Busby, and Amanda Whiting for all of your support. I will be staying on the advisory board to help build on its achievements to date and contribute to advancing the strategic priorities of all its members – large and small. #Leadership #Sustainability #OCS

One of the many highlights of my role as Managing Director of OCS Australia & New Zealand is having the opportunity to connect and collaborate with colleagues on both sides of the Tasman. Yesterday was no exception, with a busy but rewarding day in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. The day kicked off with a strategic HR planning session with some of the key people who work hard to ensure our teams operate at the highest standard. Thank you to OCS Advisory Group member, Laura Scampion and Darren Gunasekara from DLA Piper and our OCS team, Kristina Power, Debby Wong, Seilena Phillips-Edwards, for your efforts! I also attended the SBC Advisory Board meeting where we discussed the current challenges that large and small members are facing, and some of the strategies that can help. The cost of doing business is not easy – however, the commitment of this group to long-term thinking is to be applauded. I was privileged to visit the under-construction Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand’s Manukau Health Park with 1M Operations Manager, Joel McDonald. This is going to be a groundbreaking facility that will help relieve pressure on Middlemore Hospital. Joel and our 1M team on site, led by Project Manager, Chris Field and Site Manager, Elmerson Fandino are doing some amazing mahi in this space installing critical medical air, oxygen and HVAC systems. The day wrapped up at the SBC Annual Council Meeting (ACM), my final meeting as Chair, where we launched our 2024 Snapshot Report, which you can read here - https://lnkd.in/gy6EBwyF . While the term busy might be an understatement, I wouldn’t have it any other way and commend everyone involved for putting in their all for the success of our business. Kia kaha! #Leadership #Collaboration #1M #WeAreOCS

Congratulations to Laura Scampion who has been recognised as one of the most influential lawyers in New Zealand. I feel privileged to know Laura - she has been a big supporter of myself and OCS Australia & New Zealand for more than five years. We’ve worked together in the fight against modern slavery, and Laura joined me on the Sustainable Business Council NZ Advisory Board two years ago when I first became Chair. She’s also a valued member of our OCS Australia & New Zealand Advisory Group. Anyone who knows Laura will know her passion for championing diversity, inclusion, and sustainability is unmatched, and she has had a profound impact in these areas in New Zealand and around the world. Congratulations once again Laura Scampion, I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. 

I've had the pleasure of working with the team at First Foundation for almost a decade through OCS New Zealand's sponsorship of 11 students, all of whom are family members of our OCS colleagues and first in family to pursue tertiary education. Seeing their remarkable journeys and the futures these young individuals are crafting is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a testament to the power of opportunity and the profound ripple effect it has on their families and communities. I encourage my New Zealand connections to get involved either through becoming a scholarship partner, making a donation, or becoming a mentor to one of these incredible young people.

One of the things I never take for granted are the opportunities to connect with my global colleagues. So, it was a pleasure to host Group CEO Rob Legge, Group CFO Gary McGaghey, APAC & ME CEO Roland Salameh, and APAC & ME CFO Alexandre Gerard in Australia to showcase the many opportunities we have in the ANZ region. We also took the time to catch up with OCS Advisory Group member (and former Prime Minister), Sir Bill English and hear his insights on economic growth, strategic leadership and global trade, as well as some other high profile business leaders. Why? These types of visits are great enablers for fostering collaboration, showcasing the innovation and sustainability initiatives that exist ‘down under’, as well as exploring new opportunities. It’s also another way we live our TRUE Values – Trust, Respect, Unity & Empowered. Together. So, cheers team for taking time out of your global schedules and getting behind some of the exciting things happening in the ANZ region.

Almost 7 years ago, I joined the board of the Sustainable Business Council and almost 2 years ago, I took on the role of Chairperson. Both of these decisions were made with passion and conviction in my heart that the role of the SBC is vital for building the type of future our people, our businesses and our planet need. That passion and conviction hasn’t waned, but it’s time for me to pass the chairperson baton to another as I concentrate on other projects, and this week I have resigned from my position as Chair. Thank you Mike Burrell – under your leadership the SBC continues to strengthened and grow. From an expanded membership base, renowned conferences, development of numerous successful programmes and continued impact in driving a sustainable future, you and your team make me incredibly humbled and proud of the work you do. I look forward to seeing more great things from the SBC and participating in future forums as a passionate SBC board member. Amanda Whiting | Angela Busby | Chris Aughton | Claire Walker | David Morgan | Kirk Hope | Laura Scampion | Neeraj Lala Simon Tucker MIWFM #Sustainability #ClimateAction #SustainableBusiness #Governance