Learning and development for Meridian people is targeted to each person's needs and goals. At each performance review, staff members spend time with their managers to discuss their goals, and what they need to do to get there.

Meridian's People Capability Manager Carol Speirs says the Meridian Competence Framework is key to that discussion. "The Competence Framework shows the core competence or skills required by different roles in the Company, says Carol. "There are five levels of competence, depending on the specific role. People can assess where they're currently at and see where they need to be for a certain role. That helps them understand the areas where they need to develop their skills.

Once development needs are identified, staff and managers use the Meridian Curriculum to identify training and development opportunities to help meet them. The Curriculum contains a range of courses, workshops and programmes (both internal and external) that are all referenced back to the Competence Framework. That means a training and development programme can be identified that meets the individual needs of each person.

The Curriculum represents about 70% of the learning and development opportunities Meridian provides for its people. Bespoke development for specific needs can also be provided. It's coordinated by Meridian's People Capability team and made available to other staff that might benefit from it.

Carol Speirs says the range of development offered is very broad. "For example, we offer a Management Development Programme in conjunction with the University of Auckland Business School, who tailor the material specifically for Meridian.

"It's an interesting and challenging programme which runs for a whole year. It has real practical application for the participants. They have to put in project proposals focusing on issues and opportunities for Meridian. Participants work in teams and present the outcomes of their projects to the Chief Executive at the end of the year. It's a fantastic opportunity to develop management skills while working on real business issues.