Thanks to Murray Kennedy for stepping in at short notice and giving a 5 minute (approx) talk.
 
Murray told us about his life experiences.  He used to think goal setting was most important, but upon looking back it was making the most of opportunities that is more important.

He has had a very varied career that started as an apprentice Joiner at Fletcher’s when he left school at 15.  This was followed with builder, Insurance Broker, Casual Security work, included temp bouncer at a strip club, then barman in Mosgiel and all by the time he was 21.

Murray then went on an OE to North Island and ended up staying as a Prison Officer for 4 years.

He married Alaine when she joined his flat at same time as Chris (who brought Gordon Stewart with her).

Back to Dunedin to be a Motel Manager. In 1981 became Production Manager of NZ Towel Supplies, and in 1982 a New Car Salesman for Cooke Howlison.

Murray discovered a natural affinity for business systems so when he was made redundant he went to Otago Uni to do a B.Com with major in finance whilst also being a ‘house dad’ to two children. Alaine was the money earner as she continued her Nursing career.  Following graduation in 1985 joined Deloitte as an Auditor. This led to business systems consulting all around the country. About 1989 he became the Financial Controller for six of Eion Edgar’s private companies. In 1994 he set up his own business, Accounting Software & Service specialising in selling, installing and training his clients on how to use accounting software. He sold that business with 700 clients in 2001 to return to Deloitte and business consulting until his move in 2006 to Pisa Moorings. He then became Project Accountant at Jacks Point.  In 2008 he became COO at Vinpro, and he retired in 2020.

His interests and other achievements have been equally varied with rugby (until 17 yrs old), squash, Flying Gliders, Scuba Diving, his Spiritual Life, Treasurer for several schools, and currently Golf.  He joined the Lowburn Curling Club in 2010, and in 2014 took over as Chair of Pisa Moorings Utilities.  Murray was invited to become a Rotarian in 2006, and in 2009 led a Group Study Exchange team to India.  He was President in 2013-14.