Dialogue: Cam Moore

10 Feb 2010

Cam Moore’s resume is impressive to say the least, and includes being the president of the Institute of Management (Canterbury), a member of the Government’s small business advisory group, and chair of the New Zealand Railways Corporation. Cam’s point of difference? He also uses his skills in business to serve the church, by chairing Anglican Aged Care and the Diocesan Finance Committee. Spanky Moore caught up with him to see how faith and business can mix.


Church life and business are often seen as being at polar opposites. How could the two work closer together?
Sadly, today there is little understanding and contact between church and business – which is surprising, as the church is involved in a number of business areas like health, aged care and property investment. The church needs to be actively involved in appropriate business organisations rather than standing aside. Both church and business should focus on valuing people first. I think fostering new leaders by mentoring them is a vital way of doing this.

The financial shakeup last year caused most of the world to question greed and injustice in the marketplace. Do you think anything will really change?
Many of us believe change is necessary, but it will take time. Unfortunately, the emphasis of business and investors on short term results rather than long-term, sustainable results has meant “management’ not “leadership,” and “authority” not “responsibility.” Christ’s preparation of his disciples is a classic text of leadership training – teaching, practical involvement, planning and caring are a basis of management leadership today. We need to re-learn that with authority and rewards comes responsibility for your team and organisation.

How does your faith influence the way you do business?
Business success is about people and esprit du corps. My faith and mentoring by Christian friends has influenced me in understanding the need for leadership, responsibility, care for the people on your team, clear visions, achievable operational plans and high integrity and standards. People need pride in their organisation.

We live in an aging population and no doubt more care services will be needed to keep up. Where do you see Anglican Aged Care’s place in the future?
The Anglican Church has a mission to its elderly, and Christ emphasised the need for a caring and healing mission. Today, much of this is provided by state and private organisations. But I believe the church must be involved and model good Christian and business practice regarding its staff and physical resources, resulting in excellence in elderly care.

WORDS: Spanky Moore
PHOTO: Dave Wethey