What is your current role?
Group Customer Experience Manager – Waikato Regional Airport Ltd
What do you enjoy about working for Waikato Regional Airport Ltd?
The people and the diversity of work across the various businesses we manage. From strategy, architectural drawings, cultural immersion, creative thinking, sustainable practices, and the general day to day workings of being an operational airport are all exciting. Lots of big challenges and big wins. Our recent company values, rebrand and cultural expression through artwork projects have been particularly inspiring.
What was your first job?
I started by working in Dads’ fish and chip shop, but my first official job was Café Chima on High Street in Auckland City. And so began my hospitality days.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Police Officer. It’s in the family. Who doesn’t love a good investigation or who done it?
What is an achievement or special credential you're really proud of?
Hospitality led to event organisation, and we all know what that means! It is hard to pick one achievement or exceptional event looking back, but if I was to choose, it would be organising the Nelson section of the Royal Visit of then Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, now our King. It was a whirlwind and an honour. I recently organised the official opening event of the Hamilton Airport terminal. It was that event I was trying to emulate in a way as it was so important to support local, entertain at the highest level, be intentionally culturally inclusive and showcase the region, or in this case it’s gateway.
What do you do in your spare time?
I have two little girls (3 and 5) who take up quite a bit of my ‘spare time’. I do enjoy walking, baking, lunching, and travelling.
What are you most grateful for in your life?
My health and mental strength, love of family and friends and a good work ethic. I was taught life is for living and to be grateful for every opportunity you get. I think it is important to have a vision and goals for the future but equally to be in the moment and take it all in. You need to learn from your mistakes, and that making them is ok.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m lucky to have been surrounded by great people both personally and professionally. My best girlfriends from school are overachievers, I look at where they are now, and they inspire me to do and be better. The wonderful women who I have had the privilege of working so closely with over the last 20 years. The organisations we have worked for and me personally have been the lucky recipient of their great knowledge and expertise; Karen, Roz, Debbie and Nona.
Have you got a favourite aphorism/motto?
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
What is your favourite spot in the Waikato?
The Waikato surprises me with its beauty all the time. I recently moved to Cambridge, which is pretty everywhere you go. We gravitate towards the Hamilton Gardens, if it’s just a family outing or we are recommending to visitors. It is packed and peaceful.