Always supportive and inspiring to all.
Wade Kennard serves as Procurement Category Specialist within the Financial Services Division at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. In this capacity, he oversees key procurement functions, including the coordination of tenders for essential university supplies and services. Notable examples include the supply of wood chips, property management support, mattresses for residential colleges and uniflats where he is the designated University of Otago representative, supply chain and procurement programme consulting awarded to Grant Thornton New Zealand, and financial custodial services for the University of Otago Foundation Trust. His contact details are prominently featured in these tender notices, with direct dial +64 3 479 8917 and email wade.kennard@otago.ac.nz. He contributes to maintaining approved suppliers lists, ensuring efficient operations across campus facilities.
Prior to his current role, Wade Kennard brought culinary expertise to the University of Otago, serving as Executive Chef at Union Central and head chef at Abbey College residential college. In November 2013, he and kitchen hand Owen Newbould won the Residential College Chef of the Year competition, impressing judges with two dishes prepared in just 70 minutes: scallops accompanied by fondant potato, pea mash, and red pepper coulis. This victory secured bragging rights for Abbey College among peers. Wade Kennard later judged competitions, such as the one won by Toroa College in 2020, supporting the tradition of culinary excellence in university residences. Beyond professional duties, he participates actively in Dunedin community sports, playing football alongside his family—noting he began at age five—competing in pickleball tournaments like the 4th DUPR-rated event with team Terrified Cucumbers placing third, and engaging in golf matches for Otago Boys' High School old boys teams.
