Our Managing Director, Peter Harrison, recently celebrated 10 years in a leadership role with ThinkPlace New Zealand. We asked Peter to step away from the tools for a brief moment to share a few reflections on his journey.

What motivates you?

“I’ve always had this insatiable thirst to live in a world that is more equitable and more inclusive. I’ve never been comfortable with the idea that someone’s innate capabilities or work ethic are the sole determinants of outcomes for their life; it just doesn’t add up. What flows from that is a deeply held belief that the world doesn’t need to be defined by having winners and losers; it is possible (even if it is difficult) for everyone to benefit. I think design can play a significant role in achieving that future. It is such a privilege to be in a situation where my vocation intersects with my calling, my faith and my personal values. The work we do can be really hard, but I find it really rewarding.”

A project highlight?

“There are so many! I’ll highlight two. The first one is the rheumatic fever co-design initiative; this was the most challenging project I’ve undertaken and yet was the most rewarding. I learned a lot about servant leadership, working cross-culturally, and what it means in practice to be in partnership (especially with respect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi). Those experiences have shaped every part of my personal practice and the direction of ThinkPlace. They have also strengthened my resolve that communities need to be given the autonomy to identify their own solutions.

The second one is several projects I have been privileged to participate in to improve the resettlement experience in Aotearoa New Zealand for former refugees. This is an amazingly vibrant and talented community of New Zealanders who contribute so much and it feels like an honour that we, as a country, can welcome former refugees to their new life here.”

How would you describe ThinkPlace’s culture?

“The founding vision of ThinkPlace (thanks to Jim Scully!) was that it would create a vehicle for people to do amazing work. We see this vision play out 16 years later in the calibre, passion and drive of our people. At a recent team session, we identified that our whole team had a common attribute: curiosity and a learning mindset. I see this show up daily in the way our team works with clients, partners and communities.”

Something that brings you hope?

“It feels like, as a country, we’re heading in the wrong direction in quite a few areas. I try to remind myself that we’re always playing a long game, and I think there are many reasons to hold hope for a bright future. I think we’ve reached a tipping point in terms of collectively understanding and valuing the role of Māori as Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa (and that includes acknowledging the harm that has been perpetrated over centuries). There will always be those who want to revert to the old paradigm, but that paradigm is eroding.”

A leadership tip to share?

“I try really hard to be authentic, consistent and honest as a leader. This includes being vulnerable about how I’m doing personally, how the business is doing, and the things on my mind as leader. 2024 was a really tough year for a lot of organisations, ThinkPlace included, but staying true to these values in my own behaviours generally served me well.”

How about some selfies from over the years?

“Oh no, I knew you were going to ask me that! I don’t take a heap of selfies, but I was able to rustle up a few.”

You’re a natural! Final word before getting back to project work?

“I just want to say a big thanks to the broader ThinkPlace community – our clients, our partners, our collaborators, and our team and their families. I think the well-known proverb could be expanded to ‘it takes a village to nurture a for-purpose business’. I’m really excited about the work we can do together in 2025!”

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Thank you, Peter, for all that you are and all that you do for ThinkPlace New Zealand. Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary.