Michele Harrod

Michele is a commercially astute and energetic business leader with extensive experience across SME operations and corporate environments, bringing a rare blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and hands‑on execution, underpinned by strong financial acumen and a deep interest in human potential and learning.

Prior to joining CAPE in 2019, Michele has, over multiple decades, managed and grown businesses, launched major events, led academic programmes, and founded a charitable trust. She is highly customer‑focused and known for her warm, honest style, strong relationship building, and an unwavering ‘can‑do’ approach. Technically savvy, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365, MYOB and Xero, she has a proven ability to quickly master new tools and technologies.

As both Managing Director of Match Point Ltd and Administration/Accounts Manager here at CAPE, she has overseen end‑to‑end business operations including strategy, finance, HR, IT, marketing, statutory reporting, and health & safety. Having demonstrated success in growing revenue (including tripling turnover in a start‑up distribution business), tightening financial controls, and refining processes to improve workflow and reduce cost, means she is frequently recognised as the ‘backbone of the business’ when it comes to reliability, problem‑solving, attention to detail, and a willingness to roll up her sleeves and get things done.

Previous roles include Lecturer and Cohort Leader at Unitec (NZ Certificate in Animal Care), with responsibilities spanning curriculum management, course delivery, and pastoral support for approximately 120 Level 3 students.Earlier in her career, she held senior positions in events and media, including Group Manager/Event Director at dmg World Media, launching New Zealand’s first Taste Festival and several major trade shows, with accountability for strategy, budgets, marketing, and managing multi‑disciplinary teams. As Senior Business Manager at Cobra Group, Michele managed multiple direct marketing companies, led change management, re‑engineered operational processes, and advised on HR, legal and financial matters. Her initial experience in finance and television/music production at TV3, First Media and EMI Music provided a foundation in people leadership, systems design, customer care, and operations.

Across all roles, Michele has consistently exceeded expectations, contributed positively to culture, and is recognised as a dedicated, loyal team‑player who brings energy, insight, and practical solutions to complex challenges.