Testimonial #1 –
3rd November, 2016
“It should be me thanking you on behalf of Taradale Rotary for an outstanding presentation and in a way we could all get our heads around.
Very much appreciated.
Cheers
Robert”
[Robert Pattullo, Past President of Taradale Rotary Club, and owner of Pattullo Farm Ltd]
Testimonial/ Reference #2 –
9th May, 2016
“Peter was a strong and effective member of the HB Chamber of Commerce team. He added a level of complexity to the team which enabled us all to strategically analyse situations and plan to positively impact the commercial outcomes of the Hawkes Bay region.
Peter’s experience preceding his time with the Chamber enabled him to provide a thorough gap analysis interview with clients prior to developing a capacity development action plan.
Client feedback from a range of clients has been positive and in some cases has enabled the business to progress and employ additional staff based on the advice he gave them. Another situation saw the merge of two entities working in the same product industry to maximise the commercial option for them both. Advice gleaned from the initial discovery and gap analysis conversation with the client.
Peter is methodical, pragmatic and detailed and has an ability to hear beyond the emotive to provide the right advice for the client to progress.”
[Wayne Walford, CEO of the Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce]
Testimonial #3 –
22nd October, 2017
“You are a tutor who inspires students instead of spoon-feeds us. I really appreciate that quality of you. Most tutors don’t have that.”
[Sylvia Liu, tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2017]
Testimonial #4 –
21st October, 2017
“I learned a lot from your course, it’s really helpful for our future career development.”
[Avy Tian, tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2017]
Testimonial #5 –
24th October, 2017
“Passionate tutor who always encourages/ coaches students. Class exercises/ case studies are very practical, which helps students to build confidence in public speaking. A very good combination of teaching methods (case studies/ class exercises/ guest speakers/ real life marketing).”
[Sylvia Liu, tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2017]
Testimonial #6 –
24th October, 2017
“Real life examples really helped me to understand the topics better. I was able to use my new learned skills in real life and see businesses with a new approach.”
[Harkirat Singh, tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2017]
Testimonial #7 –
24th October, 2017
“All the materials and lectures stretched my thinking and ways of learning. The way they were delivered in class reinforced and enhanced the way I should be thinking, and developed my confidence. I appreciate the guidance and points to reflect (upon) or points to remember in making decisions and strategies.”
[Nadia Rojas, tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2017]
Testimonial #8 –
25th October, 2017
“Peter offers a series of opportunities to let us practice and develop our ideas. Especially for international students, this is a fantastic chance to improve their communication and cooperation abilities. The courses directly faces the nature of the real world.
Peter is a kind listening person. He knows how to respect others and always tries to understand other people.”
[Xin Jin (Jane), tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2017]
Testimonial/ Reference #9 –
8th July, 2015
“I started working with Peter 15 years ago when he was appointed General Manager (CEO) of Gemtime NZ. My involvement with him was on a number of levels:
- Day-to-day operational activity
- Strategic planning and business development
- Board level
- Personal level
Peter is a very interesting individual who over the period I was involved with him, never stopped impressing me with his ability to run Gemtime NZ up until its successful sale to Showcase Australia. Without his involvement, leadership and attention to detail the sale would never have gone ahead.
Peter was involved in and responsible for all levels of the Gemtime operation, including:
- Business management and all levels of finance
- Strategic planning
- New business development
- Legal issues, including matters directly affecting the jewellery industry – right through to Government level
- Internal communications, including conferences and AGM
- Staff training – both at Head Office and the retail outlets
- Innovation/ new technology
- Board of Directors (even though Peter was not a director, the board in my opinion could not have operated without his experience and foresight)
Morally and ethically, I cannot fault Peter. He is honest, enthusiastic and socially responsible in the way he conducts himself in business and his personal life.”
[Michael Farrimond, past owner of Farrimond Limited, one of the most esteemed marketing agencies in New Zealand: www.farrimond.co.nz]
Testimonial # 10 –
The following testimonial is from an EIT student who I taught during 2017, who was based on the Tairawhiti (Gisborne) EIT campus, yet was linked-in (in real time) to the Operations Management lectures that I was delivering on the Hawkes Bay based EIT campus, by way of Audio Visual Link.
8th November, 2017
“I felt fully included in the lectures and discussions. It was easy to share Peter’s attention, the extra notes and slides he constructed for us were focused and relevant. I felt all the information shared was purposeful and well-constructed.
Peter used ‘real life’ scenarios, (and) was open with his own positive and negative experiences. He also guided us on ways for delivering information in front of audiences, managing conflict and explaining why certain tasks were of benefit to understand and employ.
The lectures were interesting, factual and delivered with energy and enthusiasm. He benefited from his networks by his sourcing business owners to speak to us openly, and guide us along their paths to business success. I appreciate the effort Peter put into my education, and will continue to appreciate it. I would love the opportunity to study under Peter again, his dedication, knowledge and enthusiasm are invaluable.”
[Sarah Barton, tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2017]
Testimonial # 11 –
The following feedback was provided by the Assistant Head of the School of Business at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in relation to the commerce lecturer role that I fulfilled during 2017 for EIT.
9th January, 2018
“Many students have come back to me with stories of having been enthused by your teaching, what greater compliment can there be for a teacher ?
I do hope we can continue the relationship in some manner in the future.”
[Nick Cordery, Assistant Head of the School of Business at Eastern Institute of Technology]
Testimonial # 12 –
The following communication came from an international student (based in China) who I taught during 2017, upon her arrival back in New Zealand ready to resume her studies at the Eastern Institute of Technology in 2018.
21st February, 2018
“How are you? I just got back to Napier a couple of days ago.
I’m so happy that I had changed the “Logistics and Supply Chain Management” to Branding course. For my current job and career path, branding is essential and way more important than the other course. You were very different from those full-time tutors who can be too academic sometimes.
You are from the real world ! Highly appreciate what you have done for our class.
Many thanks !
Best regards,
Sylvia Liu”
[Sylvia Liu, tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2017]
Testimonial #13 –
A Hawke’s Bay business client I engaged with during my time as a Regional Business Advisor…
18th August, 2018
“Peter was able to give helpful insight into my business and propose a course of action to take to realise the vision I had for the business. I found him very approachable and his thoroughness gave me confidence and clarity going forward. Much appreciated – thank you Peter!”
[Heather Lee, Owner/ Director of ‘The Little Design Lab’, Business Website ]
Testimonial #14 –
A lecturer colleague at the Eastern Institute of Technology…
18th August, 2018
“I worked with Peter for about six months when he joined EIT, Hawkes Bay to teach Operations Management. I know Peter as a person who has a flair for writing on various topics related to operational aspects of SMEs. I can say that he is a thinker and loves to communicate with people through his blogs and posts on many contemporary topics which I personally enjoyed reading. I wish Peter all the best with whatever he does.”
[Dr Ram Roy, Senior Academic, Researcher and Author at the Eastern Institute of Technology]
Testimonial #15 –
A lecturer colleague at the Eastern Institute of Technology…
21st August, 2018
“I am pleased to recommend Peter Alexander for the opportunity to help develop the economic interests of Hawke’s Bay. I believe that his strong commercial background and genuine desire to improve anything that he decides to focus on, combined with his demonstrated “have a go” approach to life would certainly kick-start Hawke’s Bay’s economic performance to increased and sustainable levels of economic prosperity. Go Peter!.”
[Dr Steve Hinge, Senior Academic and Business Management Lecturer at the Eastern Institute of Technology]
Testimonial #16 –
A Hawke’s Bay business client I engaged with during my time as a Regional Business Advisor…
28th October, 2018
“Peter was a great facilitator of business insight when helping my business Hawkes Bay Solar to develop a snapshot of where the business was at and identify what were the key areas for growth and development for myself and for the business. A truly experienced business man.”
[Jon Farquharson, Managing Director at Hawkes Bay Solar Limited]
Testimonial #17 –
An 2018 Eastern Institute of Technology commerce student who read my first book…
4th November, 2018
“I have completed your book! It was so incredibly easy to read and loved how it was to the point without any additional (potentially unnecessary) information that other books can often contain. It was helpful in the sense where it laid out the main foundations for how to start-up a business and was relevant to NZ.
There were so many points you made that I completely agreed with – particularly those that highlighted business directors/managers failings – I wouldn’t consider myself particularly experienced but I have observed a lot of these traits in the organisations that I have worked for – very frustrating too!
Really liked the section ‘operational cogs vs evolutionary cogs’ – great way of visualising this concept!”
[Sheree Wereta, tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2018]
Testimonial #18 –
An Eastern Institute of Technology commerce student who I taught ‘Branding’ to during 2018…
28th November, 2018
“Peter is not only an academic but a real world guy. He has the academic credentials but also the real business experience to bring the best of both worlds together.
All of our lectures were a continuous and seamless flow of ideas and constructive conversation. Peter thoroughly facilitated the exploration of our ideas and the discovery of our capabilities.
One of the main take-aways from the lectures was the practice of ‘challenging the idea and not the individual who expresses the idea’. Peter was miles away from being ‘politically correct’ – one of the ailments of our society today – and yet managed to retain soft skills in his deliveries. We were encouraged to speak our minds assertively, and come to understand that there are no ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’ answers. He practices what he preaches.”
[Mayank Kapoor, tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2018]
Testimonial #19 –
An Eastern Institute of Technology commerce student who I taught ‘Branding’ to during 2018…
28th November, 2018
“There are people who mark our lives, who awaken something special within us…who open our eyes unbelievably and transform our way of seeing things. Peter did this for us. We can apply what we’ve learned in a real world context.
Peter’s teachings went far beyond the (prescribed) course content – with him including learnings for life. In addition to delivering all material and facilitating lecture proceedings, Peter delivered additional material and taught from his own massive commercial background of real world business practice. Equally important he encouraged students to present our own ideas (in small groups and as individuals) in front of other students to help us improve our presentation skills.
I feel very confident because the lecturer not only followed the lecture standards (programme), but went beyond – teaching real world business cases and applying these to the course.
Thanks for your dedication, patience and kindness in teaching.”
[Guilherme Anechine, an international (Brazilian) tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2018, guilhermeanechine@hotmail.com]
Testimonial #20 –
An Eastern Institute of Technology commerce student who I taught ‘Branding’ to during 2018…
27th November, 2018
“Very inspiring !
Extremely relevant content that is driven by experience, not textbooks.
Incredibly helpful and generous with information and skills that go beyond what is taught in the classroom.
Also, many many many thanks for your teachings this term ! I feel so enriched by your knowledge, skill set, and experience and am so grateful for all of the advice and support you have offered me. It’s so inspiring when you can see the potential in your students and really draw out the best in us – that is all we can ask for in a teacher so thank you so much ! “
[Sheree Wereta, a tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2018]
Testimonial #21 –
An Eastern Institute of Technology commerce student who I taught ‘Branding’ to during 2018…
26th November, 2018
“Peter was open to giving us insight into real world experiences in business by letting us in on his own personal experiences. He looks out for his students and wants the best for them.
Peter made sure to have the whole class involved in discussions, and was open to and welcoming of comments. Information was in-depth – both the slides and Peter’s side comments.“
[Francesca Curry, a tertiary student at Eastern Institute of Technology during 2018]
Testimonial #22 –
A business client – ‘Golly Gosh Gifts’ – who engaged my consulting services during 2019…
22nd May, 2019
“Working with Peter on building a course of action for our business’s future was enlightening. His ability to see our vision and identify the key areas for growth and development for our business and lifestyle has given us the clarity to move forward. Thank you, Peter !”
[Mark Henderson, Managing Director at Golly Gosh Gifts]
Testimonial #23 –
A business client – ‘Davidson Fraser Limited’ (an Accounting practice located in Palmerston North, New Zealand) – who engaged my consulting services during 2021…
15th December, 2021
“Peter has been consulting with me and supporting me as a business owner for a number of months. He has been a massive support in terms of bringing a really professional and pragmatic commercial minded approach to his consultancy. His consulting is consistent with the business name Real World Consulting. The GAP analysis, Strategic Planning and Business Planning process he has walked me through is probably the most valuable contribution to our business in the 11 years we have been operating. One of his key focusses is the governance of the business. As a small business owner getting my head out of the business to look up and ahead has been a challenge and the support to do this has been great.
Pete’s insight and encouragement has been priceless as was the process of going through this planning process in an extremely thorough and well considered way. I really cannot speak highly enough of the contribution he has made to our business. Pete and I met at a very challenging time for me and our business. At the time we started working together I was worn out and lacking focus. The planning process has given me a clear path forward and a much needed boost in confidence in my own ability to run an excellent business with the right support and people in place.”
[Hector Bassett, Managing Director at Davidson Fraser Limited]