It was that understanding of the value of interconnectivity with community that drove me in my 30-year career at the Southern Institute of Technology. I started as chief executive when the then Southland Polytechnic, although financially stable, had experienced two consecutive years of declining student numbers. With only 1,400 equivalent full-time students, it didn't have far to fall to reach an unsustainable level and risk closure. Our SIT team over the 23 years I was chief executive secured the support of our local community to implement a number of innovative schemes and initiatives which impacted positively on individuals, their families, local industries, and organisations, as well as the community itself. 