Helping start-up firms grow

SAM BAKER/Manawatu Standard

IT'S ALL GOOD: Kevin Hurren says he is enjoying Palmerston North - except for the weather.

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The Bio Commerce Centre's new business growth manager Kevin Hurren has had a wet introduction to Palmerston North, although he says the city has more of a "buzz" to it than Christchurch, where he moved from.

His background includes commercialisation in crown research institutes and roles in technology and agribusiness start-ups.

Mr Hurren has been in his new role for about three weeks and hopes to see continued investment in the companies the centre helps out. He tells JIMMY ELLINGHAM about his lack of classical music knowledge and plans to explore the outdoors.

What's your hidden talent?

As of this weekend, it is competitive trailer backing. With some mates in Wellington, we had a competition – you had to back the trailer round a little bend and touch some tyres at the end.

What's your foolproof home-cooked meal?

Toast? I really don't have one. Anything that's pre-cooked.

What are you working on at the moment?

My role focuses on assisting start-up businesses with mentoring and investment to help set them on a path where they have a real opportunity to transform our region and the national economy through creating jobs and generating income for the people involved and for the economy.

If you could take anyone out for dinner who would it be?

Richard Branson because he's involved across so many different industries. He shows how you can bring your personality into something.

What happened at the last party you went to?

At my leaving party in Christchurch, someone brought a sheep to cook, but it didn't fit in the oven. It wasn't my house – the owners weren't impressed. My wife and I also had a somewhat questionable song made up about us.

What do you like about Palmerston North?

The people here are friendly. There's no road rage and people are patient and smile in the street.

Tell us about your favourite holiday ...

My wife and I went to Rarotonga for a friend's wedding and just relaxed.

What's your most embarrassing childhood memory?

I had to MC at a combined schools music concert and I really didn't know much about classical music or how to pronounce the composers' names or some of the German words.

Jellytip or Fruju and why?

Jellytip – it just tastes better. There's no comparison. It's like icecream versus sorbet – icecream every time.

Palmerston North could do with more ...

Sunshine.

What's your word or phrase at the moment?

It's all good.

What's your most disliked band or musician and why?

I have an ongoing dislike of Macy Gray. She sounds like she's been smoking too many cigarettes.

What are you listening to at the moment?

One by Planetshakers, an Australian Christian rock band.

What are you reading?

Meltdown by Ben Elton.

What's your idea of romance?

Daily things which break the monotony of life, such as saying nice things to your partner.

What are your plans for the next few months?

Explore a little of this end of the North Island – places like Taupo, Napier and the rest of Hawke's Bay.