In this series we are introducing you to some of the awesome people who have been working hard behind the scenes as we move towards launching our new, independent tertiary education organisation, Te Mahi Ako.
Matt Mard will be a national learning advisor at Te Mahi Ako.
Matt Mard will be a national learning advisor at Te Mahi Ako.
Originally from Germany, Matt is a master craftsman for event technology, specialising in lighting design. Matt worked in the entertainment industry in Europe for over 20 years, and decided to make Aotearoa his home after coming here in 2005 to walk from Bluff to Cape Reinga.
These days he splits his time between being head of production and operations at the Isaac Theatre Royal, and promoting vocational training through his role with Skills Active. As well as being an industry advisor and an assessor, he provided technical expertise during the development of the qualifications.
Matt's dream is a future where everyone in the events and entertainment industry holds qualifications that recognise their knowledge and skills. He says he’s proud to be doing work that helps people to be the best version of themselves.
“The entertainment and events sector here, for many decades, was driven by very talented people doing it for the love of it. With the introduction of the Skills Active qualifications, we can now be recognised as a profession,” Matt says.