SOPHIE RIDD PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR – PAGE 12 JAYDEN RUTLEDGE FISHERMAN – PAGE 11
LOPETI UHI QUANTITY SURVEYOR – PAGE 23
Fonterra – where your future begins
Are you ready to Imagine Tomorrow, and all the amazing career possibilities on offer when you’re part of the Fonterra team? If so, starting out on our Agribusiness Programme could be the perfect first move for you – a rewarding springboard that’ll set you up for success as you work your way through a series of practical placements.
From day one, you’ll be in your element – immersed in the fascinating ‘Farm Source’ environment where you’ll be developing awesome skills while learning from the best in the business. Look forward to plenty of hands-on stuff as you get a real-world taste of a number of areas, including sales, environment and sustainability, agronomy and analytics. Whether you’re chatting to farmers instore, on the farm putting your project management skills to the test or anything in between, you’ll enjoy every chance to experience the true variety of a career at the heart of New Zealand’s agribusiness sector.
This 12-week paid internship starts late November. So, if you're studying agribusiness, agricommerce, agriscience, agriculture, sustainability, environment, land, or water and animal science/health, apply now, so you’re sorted for Summer.
Grab your gumboots, get your application in and get set to grow with Fonterra.
“The most significant and valuable part of the Agribusiness programme for me was gaining experience in four entirely different roles. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after university, so having the opportunity to explore diverse jobs across various regions of New Zealand was incredibly valuable.”
Connie O'Brien – Sustainable Dairying Advisor
“I rolled off the Agribusiness programme to be a farmer support advisor for Canterbury, Tasman and Marlborough, helping farmers with their compliance and digital journeys through a Fonterra lens. This prepared me very well to move into the co-operative services area manager role, where I am the main relationship manager for farms in Northern Central Canterbury."
Adam Winter – Co-operative Services Area Manager
Learn more at: Fonterra.com/earlycareersnz or scan the QR code to register your interest
MANAGING EDITOR
Oliver Lee
SUB-EDITOR
Peter White
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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Box 331-667, Takapuna, Auckland 0740
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ISSN 2463-3380 (Print)
ISSN 2463-3399 (Online)
05 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT | ANATAIA VAN LEEUWEN
06 VEHICLE SALES | ANGUS AROA
08 ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN | MARY ROSE HANCOX
Studying GIS at university helped gain a deeper appreciation of the value that mātauranga Māori knowledge brings to understanding science.
A never-say-die attitude and splendid work ethic has turned a passion for cars into a successful career.
Meet an Accounting Technician who is working on new climate-related disclosures to help create a sustainable future.
09 CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT | JOHN HYSLOP
Chartered Accountant combining Accounting and Zoology in a rare degree combination, loves helping companies become more efficient.
10 PLUMBER, GASFITTER AND DRAINLAYER | KARL QUAYLE
Former Arts graduate enjoying the new challenges in the Plumbing Industry.
11 DEEP-SEA FISHING | JAYDEN RUTLEDGE
Having the ocean as your workplace brings many advantages.
12 PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR | SOPHIE RIDD
Being female has not stopped this high-flyer’s career taking off in the meat industry.
13 FORESTRY WORKER | BLAKE ROIGARD
Working in a sustainable environment in Kinleith Forest brings job satisfaction and rewards.
14 CO-OPERATIVE SERVICES AREA MANAGER | ADAM WINTER
This Fonterra agribusiness graduate is building relationships with farmers in the rural community.
15 SUSTAINABLE DAIRYING ADVISOR | CONNIE O’BRIEN
Helping farmers to farm efficiently and more sustainably is key to this varied role.
16 NOTICEBOARD
Key dates, websites and information are all collated in one easy-to-find spot.
18 LINE MECHANIC | BAILEY TAYLOR
This trainee line mechanic with PowerNet in Te Anau loves the outdoor lifestyle.
20 LAWYER | JOSH WOO
Putting his clients’ needs first ahead of profits is what motivates this Auckland lawyer.
22 APPLICATION ENGINEER | DANIEL HESLEWOOD
Working in the fast-paced industry of automation and robotics is hugely satisfying for this former Chef.
23 QUANTITY SURVEYOR | LOPETI UHI
There is value in working part-time in the industry while studying for a Quantity Surveying qualification.
24 MĀORI DEVELOPMENT LEADER | RICKY FIFE
Leading Silver Fern Farms’ business-wide Te Ara Huri programme is hugely satisfying for this Southlander.
26 EXAM TIPS AND WELLBEING
Preparing for exams can be stressful. Some great tips and advice here.
27 EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
If you want to impress employers, here are seven key skills they are looking for.
29 CRAFTING A WINNING CV
Learn how to put your best foot forward and stand out from the other job applicants.
30 STUDENT FINANCE
Five key financial tips to take on board as you make the transition from High School to University.
Enrol now
This degree isn’t just an education – it’s a call to action, an invitation to be part of a community that can and will make a tangible difference to communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. So join us at the forefront of meaningful, systemic change!
Community Action and Change-Making: mahi tahi (‘partnership’) and whanaungatanga (‘relationship-building’)
Intergenerational Justice and Sustainable Futures: manaakitanga (‘care’) and kaitiakitanga (‘guardianship’)
Global Justice and Belonging: whakapapa (‘kinship)’ and tūrangawaewae (‘home’) community action and change-making
Ideal for those aspiring to make an indelible mark in fields like social work, education, law, community development, business, politics, human rights and many more.
ANATAIA VAN LEEUWEN grew up in West Auckland, spending quality time walking through Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa (the Waitākere Ranges) and at beaches like Anawhata, Piha and Karekare.
“These experiences shaped my connection to te taiao (the natural world) and led me to studying a Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Geography at the University of Auckland,” says Anataia (24).
Through her studies she gained a deeper appreciation of te taiao and the value that mātauranga Māori knowledge brings in understanding science.
“That’s an area I am really passionate about. I didn’t know much about mātauranga Māori before uni so it was really cool to be able to understand that broader range of values – and to learn more about where I am from which was awesome.”
Anataia (Ngāti Tamaoho) is grateful for the Te Mātauranga Pūtaiao Award (Māori Science) that helped fund her honours year at university.
“Knowing I had that financial support meant I could study honours and connect with a few more people, which broadened my network and helped me get into the role I am in now.”
Anataia encourages young Māori to study Geographic Information Science (GIS) at tertiary level.
“For Māori, knowing where you are from and the environments that you are part of, are really important. I think GIS allows you to show that more and understand it in a deeper way. I think that aligns quite well with Māori people.
“Studying GIS at university level is beneficial in many roles. In the environmental area, the geography, mapping and all that spatial information, is really important but also really broad.
“GIS is very useful in lots of different areas. It allows you to see lots of information and put it into context really well. It is applicable to the work that we do.”
Anataia is an environmental consultant with Auckland-based company Tonkin + Taylor. She loves how varied her role is and the use of mātauranga Māori.
“There are different projects at Tonkin + Taylor that look at that mātauranga Māori knowledge, and values, and how that can benefit the project or work alongside some of the wider knowledge, to have a broader understanding.”
Her work involves a variety of different aspects, including GIS.
“The main thing I am doing at the moment is looking at contaminated land. It could be an area they are looking to develop. Samples get sent to the lab and based on those results we map out what areas might need to be remediated and which parts are unsafe.
“Sometimes it is more to do with waterways and risk from flooding – sometimes it is how people interact with each of those elements.”
Anataia went to Avondale College in Auckland. In Year 13 she took Geography, Physics, Calculus, Biology and Art History. She was not sure what she wanted to do so took a broad range of subjects.
After a gap year, she went to a University of Auckland open day and Geography aligned most with what she was interested in – leading to studying Geography, GIS and Statistics at university. writer
‘‘ FOR MĀORI, KNOWING WHERE YOU ARE FROM AND THE ENVIRONMENTS THAT YOU ARE PART OF, ARE REALLY IMPORTANT
ANATAIA VAN LEEUWEN
PASSION AND HARD WORK PAYS OFF SALES SKILLS IN DEMAND
When ANGUS AROA left school at the end of Year 12, he started buying and selling cars to not only make some money but to learn how to fix them.
It was just the start of a journey that has seen the 23-year-old work his way up to be a used vehicle sales consultant with North Western Toyota in Henderson, Auckland, after starting as a car groomer.
Angus’s story just proves the value of setting a goal and working hard to achieve it.
“I had zero plan when I left school but I did like the idea of doing tourism so I went to the NZ School of Tourism for a year. I had always been into cars but never could afford anything so I started buying and selling cars privately and it kind of snowballed from there,” says Angus.
“It was good because I could learn about the mechanical side and also sell the cars to make a profit. I started with $500 and at the end of the year I had about $20,000. So it shows you can work your way up from not having much.”
Angus started with North Western Toyota as a fresh-faced 18-year-old and has basically learnt the business from the bottom up.
He spent more than two years grooming cars before becoming a sales assistant, a sales cadet, then two years ago he stepped up to be a fully-fledged sales consultant.
“I wanted to sell cars the second I walked into the dealership but it wasn’t the right time when I started so I learnt all the dealer processes..
“When I did start selling cars, I already knew the team and the Toyota product knowledge so it was just a matter of people skills and sales skills.”
Selling cars for Angus is about building a relationship with the buyer and upholding all the values that are inherent in the Toyota brand.
“The biggest thing for me has always been don’t sell them a car – help them buy a car. If you change the mentality of how you approach it and stand side-by-side with a customer, then it becomes a little more inviting for them.
Building customer rapport with customers is really important to Angus.
“It’s simply befriending someone and then assisting them into buying a vehicle. A car for most people is the second biggest investment they spend money on after a house.”
Angus went to Westlake Boys’ High School on Auckland’s North Shore. In Year 12 he took Statistics, PE, Economics, English, Science and his favourite subject, History.
writer PETER WHITE photography LOGAN WEST
He encourages school leavers who like cars and are good with people to consider a career in sales.
“Anyone can do my job and be in my position. You don’t have to be a genius or have even done well at school.
“All you need is a passion for whatever it may be that you’re selling and the drive to help people –the rest will all fall into place.”
“All you need is a passion for whatever it may be that you’re selling and the drive to help people – the rest will all fall into place. ”
ANGUS AROA
MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ACCOUNTING
writer PETER WHITE photography LOGAN WEST
The wide range of interesting work is what Accounting Technician MARY ROSE HANCOX loves most about her role with Partners Life based in Takapuna
“I am really happy that it is so varied and there are always new challenges. I am always learning something new. The continuing education is great,” says Mary Rose.
“I really enjoy numbers which is why I got into it. Every day can be quite different. You wouldn’t think it would be but there are lots of different challenges and lots of problem solving – plus I also find the work really interesting.
“My main responsibility is to prepare the financial reporting to make sure our numbers are correct and we comply with accounting standards. I do a lot of the control element making sure that everything prepared is valid and accurate. I report our results to the Reserve Bank, Companies Office, Statistics NZ and to our shareholders.”
Mary Rose is working on a project implementing the new climate-related disclosures that require businesses to report their impact on the environment.
“This involves determining how climate change can affect our business model, impact strategy and what actions we may need to take to address this.
“We are now looking towards setting meaningful and informed emission targets and strategies to meet these targets. I am enjoying this work and the opportunity it provides to create a sustainable future.”
Mary Rose achieved a Bachelor of Business degree, majoring in Accounting, from the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. While studying, she completed the Accounting Technician program through CA ANZ and is now halfway through her Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting.
She is grateful to Partners Life for their support over nearly eight years.
“They have been so generous and supportive to me through my studies and exams, and the support from my colleagues has been great.
“The company prides itself on our innovation. We are really trying to make big moves in the insurance space so it is quite exciting to be part of that and see
how we are helping to close the under-insurance gap in New Zealand.”
When Mary Rose was growing up, a major focus for her was volunteering with Hato Hone St John. Her passion and skill were rewarded when she was honoured with the Grand Prior’s Award in 2014 – the highest achievement a member aged under-21 can receive.
“I am so glad I did it. It was so rewarding. I was always interested in health and helping people so got involved with the youth programme and absolutely loved it.
“I am glad I could continue my passion for helping others by becoming an accountant. It has equipped
me with the skills required to truly make a difference in the accounting space and influence businesses to focus on sustainable practices.”
Mary Rose went to Rangitoto College in Mairangi Bay. In Year 13, she took Statistics, Biology, Geography, Chemistry and Calculus. She recommends a career in accounting to any school leavers who have an aptitude for sums, a passion for helping others and love taking on new challenges.
“If you really enjoy numbers, logical puzzles and problem solving, it is a really interesting career. Every day is different. It can be very rewarding, lots of fun and there are very good career opportunities.”
‘‘ I AM GLAD I COULD CONTINUE MY PASSION FOR HELPING OTHERS BY BECOMING AN ACCOUNTANT. IT HAS EQUIPPED ME WITH THE SKILLS REQUIRED TO TRULY MAKE A DIFFERENCE. ’’ — MARY ROSE HANCOX
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ANZ STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
Explore the accounting and finance world and receive valuable information and resources to broaden your skills and understanding. You will be invited to networking and careers events and have access to exclusive employment opportunities. What are you waiting for? Sign up to be a Chartered Accountants ANZ student member today.
ONLINE
AUDITING OPENS CAREER DOORS
HELPING BUSINESSES SUCCEED
writer PETER WHITE
photograph SANDRA HENDERSON
Combining Accounting and Zoology in a degree is a rare combination but JOHN HYSLOP CA has enjoyed the benefits of the hybrid qualification.
The 26-year-old is a senior auditor at Chartered Accountants Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in New Plymouth. John started with the firm in early 2021 after completing his BCom/BSci double degree from University of Otago.
John sampled a wide range of subjects in his first year, including Surveying, Accounting, Geography and Japanese, with land surveying his initial career plan.
“I changed to Accounting in the second semester and I had always had a passion for animals so I picked up a Zoology degree as well. I am not sure how many Accounting/Zoology degrees there are but I made it work.
“Accounting appealed for its flexibility and its worldwide recognition as a discipline-based profession that makes a real difference to decision makers. Accounting is used across a wide range of public and private sector roles as well as within the many specialised sub-fields of audit, tax and business advisory.”
After an exchange to Uppsala University in Sweden, John joined Baker Tilly Staples Rodway.
“It has progressed very quickly here in New Plymouth, working for a mid-tier firm outside the big four firms. You get more responsibility and challenges very early on.
“New Plymouth is a vibrant city and has great outdoors. Working in the regions still means a wide range of clients and businesses, from charities to large companies. I travel countrywide on jobs.
“It has been full-on for three years here but with a young social group there’s never a dull moment.”
At the heart of what John does is helping companies become more efficient and problem-solving to find solutions.
“A big part of what we do is ensuring clients are meeting their required reporting framework and complying with the relevant accounting standards.
‘‘ YOU ARE NOT RESTRICTED TO WHAT YOU STUDY AT HIGH SCHOOL. I HAVE SHOWN YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIMIT YOURSELF TO ONE THING. ’’
JOHN HYSLOP
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ANZ STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
Explore the accounting and finance world and receive valuable information and resources to broaden your skills and understanding. You will be invited to networking and careers events and have access to exclusive employment opportunities. What are you waiting for? Sign up to be a Chartered Accountants ANZ student member today.
“We also provide recommendations on where they can improve their internal control processes to ensure they are operating effectively and efficiently so they can succeed to their full potential. Our role also has a big emphasis on providing confidence to investors and decision makers.”
John says the audit focus is getting things right and looking to add value.
“We really can make that positive difference, and central to that is the importance of building relationships with clients.”
When John started looking at jobs after university, he liked what he heard about auditing from people working in the industry. The CA qualification provides an international passport accepted globally, which is a huge advantage for those looking to work offshore.
“You get a good feel for everything in auditing, which gives you a strong basis for moving into other areas of accounting.”
John attended Horowhenua College in Levin. In Year 13 he took Calculus, Statistics, Geography, Biology and English. He did not take Accounting as he knew he could pick that up straight from university.
“You are not restricted to what you study at high school. I have shown you don’t have to limit yourself to one thing.”
There is currently a high demand for auditors and Chartered Accountants across a wide range of industries, creating exciting opportunities that align with your interests.
“If you like people, solving problems and being continually challenged then I can highly recommend accounting and auditing. The world is your oyster.”
ONLINE
writer PETER WHITE // photographer HANNAH HUGHES
“It feels great to learn the theory of something then be presented with a problem. There are lots of different ways to fix a problem and some can be very simple. ”
KARL QUAYLE
MAKING EVERY POST A WINNER PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIPS WORK
The decision to travel across the world from England to settle in New Zealand has paid off for plumber KARL QUAYLE. He joined McIvor Plumbing and Gasfitters Wānaka Ltd in June 2019 and in April of this year finished his plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer apprenticeship.
Karl did his apprenticeship though Masterlink which is 100 per cent owned by Master Plumbers. It is the largest New Zealand-owned, nationwide mentored apprenticeship programme specialising in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying.
“It was very easy to apply for an apprenticeship. You get a regional manager who guides you through the process and checks in on you from month to month,” says Karl.
“They also sit in on your reviews to help guide you through any challenging topics. They encourage you to ask questions – even questions you think are silly.”
The three areas that Masterlink helped Karl in the most were in pay negotiations, training and courses he could enrol in, and any mental health issues that can crop up.
Karl is originally from England. He had family in New Zealand so he and his wife decided there were better opportunities here. They arrived in Queenstown and fell in love with the overall experience.
His background in England was much different to being a qualified plumber. He studied physical and dance theatre at the University of Salford, gaining a BA (Hons) degree.
“My degree was more geared towards the theatre side of things and I was happy to see where it travelled. In hindsight, I think my first choice of degree could have had more thought put into it – but being young and making your own decision for the future can be hard.
“At school, my favourite subjects were Art and Workshop, creating stuff with wood, plastic and metal.”
Karl enjoys learning new information and putting it to the test to fix problems that arise in his work as a plumber.
“It feels great to learn the theory of something then be presented with a problem. There are lots of different ways to fix a problem and some can be very simple.
“Putting your knowledge into the equation and getting a result quickly and easily without compromising on
quality is a skill set that is very sought after. Seeing clients happy with a result that you provided is a great feeling.”
Karl says the best time to get into the plumbing industry and get an apprenticeship is when you are young.
“I feel school leavers have a higher chance of getting a trade over adults due to the time needed to gain experience. My apprenticeship was for three trades and took five-and-a-half years. I’m at the beginning. I can promise you I’ll be learning till I retire which is the great thing about it. I’ll never get bored.”
His advice to school leavers – knowledge is not given, it’s found and challenged and learnt.
“Hard work is rewarding because it’s hard. Try to take on little challenges and up your game. You will thank yourself for it later on.”
A HAPPY LIFESTYLE AT SEA CAREERS WITH SEALORD
It hadn’t been JAYDEN RUTLEDGE’S intention to make fishing a career but after a trip out as a crew member on a Sealord boat during the summer holidays, he loved it so much he decided to take it up full-time. So instead of returning to Year 13, Jayden began working his way up through the ranks and earning money to save in the process.
“Financially it’s a comfortable position to be sitting in, even as a trainee,” says Jayden, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday at sea and was made a special cake by the cook.
One of the other benefits of fishing as a career is the amount of time off between sailings.
“I’m on the factory freezer boat FV Ocean Dawn and we’re usually away at sea for five to six weeks at a time. It’s full-on, working eight hours on shift then eight hours off, but time really just flies.
“Then when we get back to land and the other crew takes over, I have five or six weeks to do whatever I want. For the first few days, I do a whole lot of nothing but then I love catching up with everyone and with the family especially. I sometimes go on my mountain bike or work on my car – I have heaps of spare time to do anything.”
Jayden’s first trip on the boat involved packing fish in the factory.
“Halfway through I started helping the freezerman, which was quite hard work with lots of lifting. I worked in that role for a few trips and then I started getting trained to be a freezerman, which is what I’m doing now and I love it.
“ I love the work environment. Everyone’s really good with each other, like one big family. ”
JAYDEN RUTLEDGE
■ JAYDEN
WENT
writer FIONA TERRY photography TIM CUFF
“I work with my freezer helper to sort the boxes into groups in the factory. I label them then we send them down a slide to the freezer and then go down there to stack them all.”
Jayden is spoilt for choice when deciding what is the best thing about life at sea.
“I love the work environment. Everyone’s really good with each other, like one big family. My dad is first mate on the boat so after my shift, if there’s a chance I’ll go and have a yarn with him too.
“There’s heaps of card games during down time and board games but otherwise it’s just friendly conversations really – we all just have laughs.”
Jayden shares a cabin with three others but two of them are on the other shift. There are two bunk beds, a TV, bathroom, couch and Wi-Fi. The food gets a big thumbs-up too.
In Year 12 at Nelson College, Jayden studied Level 2 English, Maths, Outdoor Education, Art, Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering. Those last two subjects have come in especially handy from time to time, he says.
Jayden’s just finished his fourth trip, where he saw whales and big pods of dolphins.
“I’ve seen the most amazing scenes –it’s pretty special.”
POST-GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES
CAREERS IN THE MEAT INDUSTRY
writer PETER WHITE // photographer ARABELLA SHEILD
SOPHIE RIDD has taken every opportunity to increase her knowledge and gain work experience across the wider AFFCO meat processing operations.
In September, she began her new role as a production supervisor based at AFFCO’s plant in Wairoa – just under two years after she first started with the company.
“My job is focused on ensuring that our yield, value and quality are all maximised within the sheep and beef processing departments,” says Sophie.
“I support the departmental supervisors and dabble in health and safety, compliance and HR. I learn a lot from my plant manager as well.”
After taking Statistics, English, Agriculture, Sports Science and Geography in Year 13 at Feilding High School, Sophie went to Massey University. She completed her Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree in 2022.
In her final year, Sophie was awarded a Prime Minister’s Scholarship trip to Chile to study agriculture for a month. She then joined AFFCO’S Future Leaders Graduate Programme.
“I applied for the programme heading towards the end of my degree. It was a pretty cool opportunity as I was exposed to various roles right across the business. It gives you a good chance to work out exactly where you want to end up in the company.
‘‘ I WAS REALLY FORTUNATE TO GET THE MIA SCHOLARSHIP THIS YEAR AS IT CAME WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT, MENTORSHIP AND INDUSTRY-RELATED EDUCATIONAL DAYS . ’’ SOPHIE RIDD
“In my first year, I spent time in supply chains, and sales and marketing at head office, and I didn’t realise how much of an impact that would have when I got back to the plant.
“I also spent six months at one of our dual species (sheep and beef) meat works down in Christchurch, learning the different aspects of processing red meat. In the second year, I went back to that plant and ran a night shift overseeing our beef processing side as part of the programme.”
Sophie says the red meat industry is huge and there are so many opportunities for school leavers.
“You don’t necessarily need a farming background – just a good work ethic and to take a first step.”
Sophie is proud to be one of the group of females in management succeeding in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry.
“I was really fortunate at the Christchurch plant to have a female production manager who had a wealth of knowledge. It was really cool to learn from a female in such an influential leadership position. It is not that common but the industry is changing.
“Really, it is all about if you have got the interest and passion for it, then as a female you may as well go for it.”
Thanks to a generous MIA Postgraduate Scholarship issued by the Meat Industry Association, Sophie was able to complete a Master of Business, Global Management and Marketing part-time through Lincoln University during her grad programme.
“It links in well with my career in the red meat industry. I was really fortunate to get the MIA scholarship this year as it came with financial support, mentorship and industry-related educational days.
“I got to attend the MIA conference this year which was a great networking opportunity with not just other scholarship recipients but important and influential people in the industry.”
WORK IN THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY
HARD WORK DRIVES SUCCESS
writer PETER WHITE // photographer IVAN TURDEICH
BLAKE ROIGARD loves his job working in the Kinleith Forest for one of the largest forestry contractors in New Zealand.
The 23-year-old has been working for Thomassen Logging Ltd based in Taupō since he left school nearly six years ago.
“I’ve climbed the ladder quite quickly there. I was always quite keen to progress, to get better, and started learning how to operate the machines while I was still doing manual falling,” says Blake.
“I guess showing initiative has helped me. You can start learning new skills as soon as you are confident really, which is quite good. You learn not just how to drive the machines but how to maintain and fix them.”
Blake quickly progressed from manual falling, to driving the skidder and operating the processor, to his current job in charge of a falling machine. He also stands in for the crew foreman when he is away.
His goal is to move up to be a crew foreman and then hopefully one day to own his own crew.
“The falling machine is the last machine you learn. It is like a digger and it has a grapple on it that grabs the tree. It has a mechanical saw which cuts the tree and then the trees are laid down into bunches which are picked up by the skidder.”
It is precision work with a high degree of teamwork involved. Working in the Kinleith Forest is challenging – as it has quite steep terrain in places – but Blake says it is great to work outdoors in amazing scenery.
Blake went to Tauhara College in Taupō. He enjoyed the outdoor subjects most in Year 13, particularly Sports Science, Outdoor Education and Land Based Studies. He started working in the forestry industry during the school holidays in his last two years at school before he took up a fulltime role after he left.
“In the Land Based Studies class you have to choose a subject like farming or forestry or horticulture,” Blake says. “One of my mates was doing forestry so I thought I would do it too.
“To finish the NCEA course assessment, we had to go out and spend time with a forestry crew so I spent a week working with them and really enjoyed it. They then asked me back the next holidays and it all went from there.”
‘‘ I GUESS SHOWING INITIATIVE HAS HELPED ME. YOU CAN START LEARNING NEW SKILLS AS SOON AS YOU ARE CONFIDENT REALLY, WHICH IS QUITE GOOD. ’’
BLAKE ROIGARD
His advice to school leavers wanting a career in forestry – logging generally has good working hours and is more practical work than theory based work.
“The industry is full of good people. Try and find a connection with someone in the industry and push for a job or call contractors and keep trying until someone gives you a shot.”
Other benefits of working in forestry include –you get to move around different locations, work in a team with guys who are good to work with and keen to help, get picked up from your house and dropped off after work every day – plus it is
good to work in a sustainable forest as the trees grow and capture carbon and are replanted after harvesting.
There are great opportunities, and the ability to advance quickly, and you can make good money if you want to learn.
FONTERRA TICKS ALL THE BOXES
CAREERS IN THE RURAL HEARTLAND
writer PETER WHITE photography JOHN DAVIDSON
Working for New Zealand’s largest dairy company is something ADAM WINTER is extremely proud of. Adam (24) is the Fonterra co-operative services area manager for the Northern Central Canterbury region, based out of the Christchurch office.
He has risen quickly up the corporate ladder at Fonterra since he began working as an intern before his final year of a Bachelor of Management Studies (Hons) degree in Economics and Agribusiness at University of Waikato.
As an agribusiness graduate with Fonterra, Adam completed four six-month placements in 2022 and 2023, gaining both on-farm and off-farm experience to set himself up at the start of his career.
“I began in the service centre in the performance and insights team in Hamilton, then went to the on-farm excellence operations team,” says Adam.
“I moved to the Canterbury sustainable dairying team before shifting to Auckland and into the commercial intelligence team.
“I rolled off the programme to be a farmer support advisor for Canterbury, Tasman and Marlborough, helping farmers with their compliance and digital journeys through a Fonterra lens.
“This prepared me very well to move into the co-operative services area manager role, where I am the main relationship manager for farms in Northern Central Canterbury and improving their engagement with Fonterra.”
Adam has seen other graduate programmes but this one seems to be unrivalled in terms of the opportunity to move around and see the business.
“There is no company in the country that provides the breadth and depth of opportunity that Fonterra does.
“I was able to get out in a farmer-facing rotation, then into our markets’ teams and head office – and everything in between – so I got so much breadth of how Fonterra and the industry works in a short time.”
The most important part of Adam’s role is building relationships with farmers and others in the rural community.
“The guys I am following in my role were a lot more experienced so for me walking out on farms
is quite different to what farmers are used to. The key things are relationships but also being approachable and doing what you say you are going to do.
“If you do that, then you can build a relationship very quickly and you are seen as reliable. At my age that is good as I don’t have the depth of experience yet.”
Adam went to Napier Boys’ High School. He took Agriculture as one of his subjects from Years 9-12 – which began his interest in the primary industry –then Calculus, Chemistry, Biology, English and Economics in Year 13.
His advice for school leavers – no one expects you to be an expert coming out of uni, so try and learn as much as you can from any chance you get and never be afraid to ask questions and put yourself out there.
“Jobs are not going to find you, you have to go and hunt them out if you want to get what you want.”
“ There is no company in the country that provides the breadth and depth of opportunity that Fonterra does. ”
“A key skill I developed was to nurture key stakeholder relationships through strong communication and influential skills. ”
CONNIE O’BRIEN
PASSIONATE ABOUT FARMING FONTERRA GRADUATE PROGRAMMES
writer PETER WHITE photo ALAN STEVENS
“I am committed to the primary sector and passionate about helping farmers to farm efficiently and sustainably,” says CONNIE O’BRIEN. The 23-year-old is a sustainable dairying advisor for Farm Source – a subsidiary of Fonterra – covering the North Waikato area.
Earlier this year, Connie completed her two-year Farm Source Agribusiness Graduate programme. It gave her a wide range of invaluable hands-on experience after graduating from Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) degree.
Connie did four six-month rotations right across the country. She started in Invercargill as a sustainable dairying advisor, helping farmers with regional compliance to ensure they had enough effluent storage. Gore was next, working as a technical sales rep selling and checking crops, doing spray recommendations and checking for pests, weeds and disease.
A move to Hamilton followed to join the marketing team, where she project managed the transition of traditional magazine Enrich – that goes out to shareholders monthly – to an on-line digital platform.
“This gave me experience across all aspects of a project – research and development, pitching to key stakeholders, changing the plan and taking on board feedback, developing content, media and launch
plans, analysing vendor and commercial implications with the new offerings, and cost structure.”
Connie finished her programme in Christchurch as part of the on-farm excellence team, working on tools to be rolled out to farms.
“The biggest and most valuable thing for me was gaining experience in four completely different jobs. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left uni so it was valuable experiencing four completely different roles in different regions of New Zealand.
“The programme allowed me to build a really wide network within and outside Fonterra. A key skill I developed was to nurture key stakeholder relationships through strong communication and influential skills.”
Connie now has her own portfolio of dairy clients. She helps them complete their Farm Environment Plans, working with farmers to manage and minimise all risks relating to the environment.
“My role is to minimise the risk of nutrients entering fresh water. Going forward, we will be focusing on creating and improving on-farm efficiencies.
“I’m lucky I get to fulfil my passion through my career by building strong trusted relationships with farmers through supporting reach efficiencies to improve the performance of their business.”
Connie attended Palmerston North Girls’ High School. She took Calculus, Physics, PE, Economics and Business Studies in Year 13. During her school years, Connie became a prominent road cyclist, representing New Zealand for three years, and had a goal to be a pilot, but she always had a passion for farming and business. In the future, she wants to have her own business.
Her advice for school leavers – get as much hands-on experience working on farms as you can and constantly build your networks.
“Keep your papers at uni broad to keep your options open. An agribusiness degree gives you a wide base to work from.”
It doesn’t matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. Confucius
CAREERS NEW ZEALAND
A fantastic resource providing expert advice and confidential, free information on all things education and employment related – including choosing school subjects, enrolling in study or training and applying for jobs. Call their free advice line on 0800 222 733, free text CAREER to 434 or chat online by visiting their website at www.careers.govt.nz
worry and depression can surface. www.thelowdown.co.nz ideas and people who can help you get unstuck and get to a better place. Need to talk?
Free text to 5626
SCHOLARSHIPS
There is a free-to-use comprehensive list of Year 13 scholarships available to 2024 school leavers at MoneyHub.
Millions of dollars are available and applications close throughout the year
Talk to your careers advisor or visit www.moneyhub.co.nz/students
going to be a lot to think about. If it’s anything to do with financial support while you’re studying, StudyLink can help. You need to apply by 16 December 2024. Sign up for info at www.studylink.govt.nz
These websites will help you find a job! AWF – www.awf.co.nz
Trade Me Jobs – www.trademe.co.nz/jobs
MyJobSpace – www.myjobspace.co.nz
Student Job Search – www.sjs.co.nz
Do Good Jobs – www.dogoodjobs.co.nz
Work and Income –findajob.msd.govt.nz Seek – www.seek.co.nz JOB
Albert Einstein
However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.
Stephen Hawking
It’s always important to make sure that you are on the electoral roll and ready to take part in national and local elections. How else can you be sure that you are ready to have your say on the big issues affecting you and your family?
www.elections.org.nz/voters
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
Desmond Tutu
YOUTHLINE available 24/7
0800 376 633 or free text 234 www.youthline.co.nz
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SCHOOL TERMS
Term 1 (Up to 11 weeks): Starts between Monday 27 January and Friday 7 February and ends on Friday 11 April
Term 2 (9 weeks): Starts Monday 28 April and ends on Friday 27 June.
Term 3 (10 weeks): Starts Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September.
Term 4 (Up to 11 weeks): Starts Monday 6 October to Friday 19 December. Information sourced from Ministry of Education, visit www.education.govt.nz
Volunteering can provide you with opportunities to develop your skills in new and interesting ways as well as providing valuable real-world experiences – all important attributes to your CV when applying for your
For more information, visit: www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/ volunteers/finding-volunteer-roles/
Abraham Lincoln
TAYLOR
JOSH WOO LAWYER – SEE PAGE 20
AIMING HIGH FOR SUCCESS GATEWAY PROGRAMME BRINGS REWARDS
contributor KERRI JACKSON // photographer JESSIE CASSON
BAILEY TAYLOR likes to climb mountains in his spare time. It will come as no surprise then that one of Bailey’s favourite parts of working as a trainee line mechanic with PowerNet in Te Anau is working at heights.
“I really like working up the poles. It’s fun. Better than being in a classroom or office all day,” says Bailey.
Bailey first came to PowerNet as part of the Connexis Gateway programme, which gives Year 11, 12 and 13 high school students the opportunity to gain experience in the infrastructure sector – to see if the roles are right for them. They also earn NCEA credits for their work.
Bailey (19) took Gateway, Hard Tech, Maths, Physics, PE and Graphics in Year 13 at Fiordland College. During that final year he worked with the small four-person team at PowerNet’s Te Anau depot every Friday. That experience saw him employed by the company as a full-time trainee at the start of 2023.
He says the Gateway programme not only gave him an understanding of what being a line mechanic was all about but helped him get to know the team who are now his co-workers.
“That definitely helped make the change easier, going from the classroom and one day-a-week at the depot to working here full-time.”
Bailey’s boss is PowerNet team leader Hamish Prentice. He says the Gateway programme is extremely helpful in making sure new trainees are a good fit for the job.
“It was great having that year leading up to Bailey starting full-time. We got to know him and he got to know what the job involves. It meant when he did start as a trainee, he could hit the ground running.
“Hiring young people straight into apprenticeships can be tricky if they have no idea what they’re getting into.”
PowerNet’s field training officer, Tony Clarke, says getting to know a team before committing to a full-time role is an important part of Gateway, particularly in small teams.
“You get to see their work ethic which is important – but it’s not all about the work. You also get to see if they’re enjoying it and get a sense of how they get
along with others. If that’s not right it can be a problem, especially in a depot like Te Anau where there are only three or four people.”
Bailey has no hesitation in recommending the Connexis Gateway programme to school leavers. He says it is an opportunity to learn about jobs you might not otherwise know exist and an opportunity to learn some of the skills required.
“Definitely give it a try if you have the chance. Everything was new when I started Gateway. This isn’t a job lots of people know about.
“I didn’t know much about it when I started but the company has made it pretty easy for me to learn and fit in.
“If you don’t know something, you just have to ask. There’s always someone around that can help.”
‘‘ I REALLY LIKE WORKING UP THE POLES. IT’S FUN. BETTER THAN BEING IN A CLASSROOM OR OFFICE ALL DAY.’’
BAILEY TAYLOR
PUTTING THE CLIENTS FIRST
LEGAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Empowering his clients and doing the very best he can for them – rather than focusing on making a large profit – is a core philosophy for Auckland lawyer JOSH WOO .
He enjoyed a successful career working at a number of law firms specialising in mergers and acquisitions, and capital raising, but was not totally happy with professional services because they prioritised billing clients – so Josh started up his own company JW Legal in 2021.
“It is not one particular firm but just something I saw across the services. I thought if I want to do this for the rest of my life then I want to focus on stakeholder empowerment – including clients, employees, contractors – and leveraging what I do best, which is corporate and commercial law,” says Josh.
“It ensures that whatever we do, it does not prioritise billing the next amount out of the client but giving them the most helpful output we can.”
As a founder, Josh believes it is an advantage for him that he understands the challenges of running and growing a business.
“I help businesses to grow, deal with their key challenges and achieve important milestones.
“I help businesses to grow, deal with their key challenges and achieve important milestones. ” JOSH WOO
“We do a lot of work for individual business owners, small and large, and they get that I started my own business.
“I know what the key issues are in running a business, so that gives me a perspective on really helping businesses to prioritise what is important to them and focus on the bottom line.”
Josh attended the University of Auckland, attaining a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree and Bachelor of Arts (Statistics) degree. During his undergraduate studies, he visited Tsinghua University, China, on a student exchange, where he later returned to complete his Master of Laws.
The high calibre of the Auckland Law School was something he really enjoyed during his years studying there.
“It was world class. The lecturers and professors were of a very high quality and I really enjoyed learning from them.”
Josh also spent more than six years working as a tutor with undergraduates at the Auckland Law School.
“I always liked those small group interactions to teach in. It is always good when past students give
me really positive feedback about how they enjoyed my tutorials. That feedback makes me extremely happy.”
Josh went to Botany Downs Secondary College in Auckland. He loved learning French and Japanese languages above all the other subjects he took. He was interested in being a lawyer back then, with a special interest in international human rights.
For school leavers who are considering studying law, Josh says reading all the material you are given is very important.
“Getting into the first year at law school is not too hard but going from the first year to the second year is quite hard. There are a lot of materials you have to read at law school. If you read the materials in the first year and think they are exciting and interesting, then a law career may be for you.”
KEY FACTS
■ JOSH WOO HAS A BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONOURS) DEGREE AND BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE (STATISTICS) FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
■ HE VISITED TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, CHINA, ON A STUDENT EXCHANGE AND LATER RETURNED THERE TO COMPLETE HIS MASTER OF LAWS
■ IN 2021, JOSH SET UP HIS OWN COMPANY JW LEGAL BASED IN AUCKLAND
Give yourself more opportunities by considering a conjoint degree, we have options in the following areas:
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Global Studies/Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws
ENGINEERING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
STUDYING THROUGH UNITEC
writer PETER WHITE // photographer LOGAN WEST
Working in the fast-paced industry of automation and robotics has been everything DANIEL HESLEWOOD hoped it would be. The 29-year-old has just completed his first year as an application engineer with Auckland-based company OMRON Automation and Robotics NZ.
logic controller) which is essentially the brains of a machine or a factory.” says Daniel.
Working with OMRON gives graduates like Daniel hands-on exposure to new technologies through New Zealand’s leading name in robotics.
What Daniel loves about his role is that no two days are the same.
“I work with a whole wide range of industrial automation equipment including robotics, machine vision which is basically quality control with a programmable camera, and PLCs (programmable
“So I have a bit of programming work, bit of electrical and bit of mechanical work. A lot of my job involves finding the right products for the task and proving that it can do it.
“This could be proving a robot is capable of stacking so many boxes per hour, or proving that a camera can detect defects not easily visible by the human eye.
‘‘ I LIKED HOW IT WAS REALLY HANDS-ON AT UNITEC. YOU ARE NOT JUST DOING THEORY ALL THE TIME. THERE ARE A GREAT RANGE OF LABS AND WORKSHOPS THAT ARE RELEVANT TO THE INDUSTRY AND THE LECTURERS ARE REALLY HELPFUL.’’ DANIEL HESLEWOOD
“We get all sorts of requests and requirements and we have to find out how to achieve that for them.”
Daniel initially worked in the hospitality industry after gaining a Higher National Diploma in Culinary Arts/ Chef Training from Auckland University of Technology after he left school.
“Those skills I learnt in hospitality were invaluable to me and have helped me to where I am today. I had always had a natural attitude to fix things – and to know how things work – so I decided to give engineering a shot. I put the hard hours in and it has paid off.”
In 2019, Daniel enrolled in a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical), majoring in Mechatronics, at Auckland’s Unitec. He graduated in 2023.
“I liked how it was really hands-on at Unitec. You are not just doing theory all the time.
“There are a great range of labs and workshops that are relevant to the industry and the lecturers are really helpful. They want you to succeed and are always going to help you out.
“The facilities at Unitec are great with real world learning on real industry products – not just necessarily the simulated or beginner’s version. It just feels a bit more personable there.”
Daniel went to Whangaparāoa College on the Hibiscus Coast, north of Auckland. The subjects he took in Year 13 were Physics, Maths, Calculus, Music and English.
His advice for school leavers – just give it a go because you don’t know if you can achieve something if you don’t try it.
“I haven’t seen the full reach of it yet but from what I can tell there are definitely opportunities in my industry, particularly more so outside of Auckland.
“A lot of our business is involved in the Waikato, Southland and all over the country. I do have to travel every now and then to help our customers.
“Our fingers are all around New Zealand.”
‘‘ I THINK IT IS A REAL ADVANTAGE TO HAVE BUILDING EXPERIENCE, EVEN IF YOU JUST GET OUT THERE AS A LABOURER FOR SUMMER WORK, BEFORE YOU GO AND DO YOUR STUDY.’’ LOPETI UHI
WORKING WHILE YOU STUDY CAREERS IN QUANTITY SURVEYING
LOPETI UHI believes in gaining work experience in the construction industry before getting a qualification.
“I think it is a real advantage to have building experience, even if you just get out there as a labourer for summer work, before you go and do your study. I think it will be a boost to your career,” says Lopeti.
After leaving high school, he completed an architecture degree at Victoria University. He then decided to do a gap year and work for a building company in Auckland.
“I wanted to get a feel for what the real-world construction is like. I learnt what a QS (quantity surveyor) is from that experience. When I came back to Wellington I thought I would give it a try.”
Quantity Surveyors are professionals who specialise in managing the costs and budgets of construction projects, ensuring everything stays on track financially. They play a key role in planning, budgeting and monitoring expenses for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects – making sure they are completed on time and within budget. Lopeti (23) works part-time as a junior quantity surveyor while also studying for a New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) from WelTec in Wellington. He is due to finish in October.
KEY FACTS
“We are learning about different types of building materials, contracts, cost estimations and measuring plans. I am finishing my last three courses which are contract administration, schedule of quantity three (measuring course), and scheduling of a construction project.
“I not only measure the plans but I also get to fully understand what is happening in this job – what materials go in and how they do it. I measure both engineers’ and architects’ drawings.
“I am also learning about the different types of contracts in the building industry and the different regulations in the industry.”
Lopeti works on average 28 hours a week for Wellington-based Ninety3 Limited that is owned and operated by Sam Hinder.
“A lot of Ninety3’s work involves providing construction cost estimates for clients or assisting builders and contractors with their pricing and quoting.
“My contribution to this process is to receive the construction drawings and measure a variety of building components, across a number of trades, ranging from demolition through to carpentry.”
■ LOPETI UHI WORKS PART-TIME AS A JUNIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR WHILE ALSO STUDYING FOR A NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN CONSTRUCTION (QUANTITY SURVEYING) FROM WELTEC
■ HE GREW UP IN TONGA AND ARRIVED IN NEW ZEALAND TO DO HIS YEAR 13 AT WAINUIOMATA HIGH SCHOOL
He is involved with the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) while studying at WelTec.
“I am a student rep for NZIQS at WelTec. We have a meeting every month. I helped set up some workshops at WelTec. NZIQS holds events and conferences every year. It is a good institute for networking.”
Lopeti grew up in Tonga. He came to New Zealand in Year 13 at Wainuiomata High School, where he took Physics, Biology, Chemistry, English, Statistics and Maths. He says Maths and having good communication skills are most helpful for starting out in a QS career.
“If you can measure the perimeter of a square and explain how you did that, QS might be the career for you. There will always be a demand for QS’s in the construction industry.
“I think a good place for school leavers is to sign up with NZIQS, attend their events and start to build networks. Your network is your nett worth.”
■ LOPETI SAYS THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A DEMAND FOR QUANTITY SURVEYORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
RICKY FIFE joined the red meat sector in his teens as a packer in a processing plant in Invercargill, progressing through roles in boning, as a sawman and supervisor.
Now he is based at Silver Fern Farms’ head office in Dunedin, heading its business-wide Māori development framework Te Ara Huri (‘a turning pathway’).
During a 20-year journey in the sector, Ricky has seen a significant shift in culture and many people progress from the plant front line to more senior roles.
Ricky’s whakapapa connections are to Ngāi Tahu, Te Atiawa and Ngā Puhi. About 30 per cent of Silver Fern Farms’ workforce – which numbers 6,000 in peak season – identifies as Māori. That number is close to 40 per cent in the North Island.
“We did not have a blueprint for what Māori development would look like in Silver Fern Farms so we invited kōrero. We talked with people at every tier – our labourers and boners and sawmen, our supervisors, managers and senior leadership,” says Ricky.
“Our executive provided access to other companies’ leadership teams so we could link to their journey in Māori kaupapa development. All these insights were put into our kete of knowledge that was the basis for developing the framework.”
The business signed off on Te Ara Huri in 2021. Its goal is to enrich Silver Fern Farms’ understanding and strengthen its connection to Te Ao Māori through four key pou (pillars) – cultural progression, inclusion, partnerships and relationships, and wai/whenua.
In early 2022, Ricky was asked if he would be prepared to lead the programme and develop five bespoke learning modules.
“Our Te Ara Huri programme has two main pou. One is he tāngata – people. The other is te ao turoa – the natural environment.
“For the company to achieve cultural progression, we needed to take people who were not steeped in te ao Māori on the journey. Doing this first is critical. You have to learn about the fundamentals like history, tikanga and kaupapa to enable development.
KEY FACTS
“Our Te Ara Huri programme has two main pou. One is the tāngata – people. The other is te ao turoa – the natural environment. ” RICKY FIFE
“The modules cover Māori concepts like story telling. They look at basic te reo and at Māori society pre-colonisation, the roles of the marae, the pa, the concept of whānau, hapū, iwi and the specifics of Te Tiriti Waitangi.
“The final module brings that all back together about how this looks at Silver Fern Farms and what Te Ara Huri is trying to achieve.”
Ricky attended Southland Boys’ High School from Year 9 to Year 13 but has not stopped learning since then.
From 2019, Ricky has achieved level five te reo Māori/tikanga Māori, diplomas in Māori knowledge and in project management, and is studying for a degree in applied management. He has also recently obtained certification to be a Māori environmental commissioner.
■ RICKY FIFE HEADS SILVER FERN FARMS’ BUSINESS-WIDE MĀORI DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK TE ARA HURI (‘A TURNING PATHWAY’)
■ ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF SILVER FERN FARMS’ WORKFORCE – WHICH NUMBERS 6,000 IN PEAK SEASON – IDENTIFIES AS MĀORI
“I’m loving this job and am very humbled to have it. I worked on the front line. I know what it is to do that physical hard work. There are many people in the sector who are happy to stay in the same roles – but if you do want to change and progress then the opportunities are there.
“You need to have vision about where you want to be and the courage to get involved, be proactive, work hard and the opportunities will come.”
■ RICKY’S WHAKAPAPA CONNECTIONS ARE TO NGĀI TAHU, TE ATIAWA AND NGĀ PUHI
Earn while you learn Earn while you learn
Did you know you could start your journey to becoming a fully qualified tradie as soon as you leave school? An apprenticeship with EarnLearn offers exciting opportunities and career potential, without the student debt.
EarnLearn offers apprenticeship training for trade careers in Electrical, Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (PGD), Scaffolding, Industrial Measurement and Control, and Crane Operation. Find out how Beks and Gabe landed their dream jobs, and how you could too!
Meet Beks Carter, Apprentice Electrician
Becoming an Apprentice Electrician hasn’t just given Beks Carter a job she loves, it has changed her approach to life.
“Every time I go out of my comfort zone, I’m getting more confident. Once, I was in an office, I was safe, set and secure, with an air conditioner. Now I’m out on the sites...I’m not comfortable at all. But after the day’s done, I look back and I think ‘look what you did today’
“I can be satisfied with my work because I’m trying my best and I know that. That’s what I love ”
Meet Gabe Leonor, Apprentice Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer
Financial independence is a sweet benefit of being an Apprentice Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer for Gabe Leonor.
“Earning at the same time as doing my apprenticeship is great,” says Gabe “It gives me financial independence and means I can go out with my mates, flat with them, and get myself nice things as well.”
That financial independence means Gabe’s been able to buy himself a ute, while he’s still training. Plus, he doesn’t have to worry about student loans.
GIVING IT YOUR BEST SHOT
HEADING INTO EXAM TIME
The stress and worry of exam times. I remember it well. My advice to you is simple – stop wasting precious time and energy worrying about results. Focus on the process of preparation. Put in an effort that you are proud of and your full potential will follow.
■ Tick off your tasks as you complete them –this gives you a sense of accomplishment which helps motivation.
■ Limit social media and forget what others are doing – everyone’s best effort looks very different. Walk your own path.
■ Some foods are more energising than others. Prioritise complex carbohydrates (whole grain bread, brown rice and pasta, oatmeal, potatoes and bananas) that provide a slow release of energy that help your brain stay focussed during long study sessions.
If you are to achieve your best, you must be feeling your best. Your health and wellbeing are the foundations for your success.
Proper preparations will have you feeling confident, healthy and well-rested on exam day. Cut down on stress – create your own roadmap to success.
This will allow you to manage your time and stress levels while getting exam fit. Follow this plan every day. It will give your best shot at success.
FORMULATE A PLAN
1. Decide what topics need to be covered.
2. Break each subject or project down into smaller, 30–60-minute tasks.
3. Divide the number of tasks that you need to do by the number of days that you have – this is how many tasks you need to complete each day to reach your goal.
3. Set tasks for each day and assign realistic time frames to them.
BEST PRACTICES
■ Focus on doing the task well but also within the timeframe allocated for it. Remember, both are equally important.
■ Do one thing at a time – this is how you will do your best and most productive work.
EXERCISE AND BREAKS
■ As odd as it sounds, breaks make study more effective. They refresh your ability to focus and learn. Set regular break times to work towards – 15 minutes for every hour of focusing.
■ Move your body or go for a walk during breaks – it boosts energy levels and mood.
■ If possible, exercise outdoors in nature. Natural spaces, like parks, beaches and lakes are more relaxing for our brains to be in. So make sure to set time aside to disconnect from your desk in nature. Give your brain a break – notice your surroundings. I promise you that you will return to your desk feeling more positive, calm and revived.
■ A morning walk wakes you up and allows personal time to gather your thoughts for the day ahead. It sets a calm, happy tone for your day. Getting up early and out into daylight will also help you sleep that night.
NUTRITION
■ Food is fuel. Do not skip meals – it is not productive. Eat regular healthy, balanced meals throughout the day. Set meal, snack and water reminders in your plan. Your brain and body will thank you.
■ Snack on brain foods that enhance memory and concentration – nuts, seeds, yoghurt and berries.
■ Don’t over-complicate things – a great rule of thumb is to “eat the rainbow”. A colourful plate has a variety of fruits and vegetables that provide different nutritional values.
■ 73 per cent of the brain is water so dehydration and studying don’t make for a recipe of success. Drink between 8–11 glasses (roughly 2–2.5 litres) of water each day.
REST
■ Sleep deprivation has the same effect as drinking alcohol on brain functioning. It slows it down considerably so get plenty of sleep! Aim for eight hours minimum of sleep a night.
■ In your plan, have consistent bed and wake times and a strict switch-off time to finish the day.
■ Reward yourself for your hard work. Wind down each day with a short routine. This tells your body that it is time for sleep. Shut off all devices and dim the lights. Do something you enjoy – watch TV, do yoga, meditate or read a book. Wishing you lots of luck.
Remember to focus on being the best that you can be and be proud of your efforts.
SEVEN SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT PRESENT YOURSELF IN YOUR BEST LIGHT
Have you ever wondered, ’What is that magical power some people have that gets them a job?’ The answer isn’t magical – the key is that these job seekers demonstrate they have the employability skills employers are looking for.
The world of work is rapidly changing. While new jobs will be created in the future, others will disappear or become automated.
Employers seek workers who have the skills, confidence and the ability to adapt to new technologies and other market opportunities. The good news is that you will have many of these skills already. These skills can be learned in daily life by doing work experience or volunteer work, playing sport, helping your whānau, taking up a hobby or taking part in school and community activities.
WHAT ARE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Employability skills, or soft skills, are the personal qualities and attitudes you have that make you ready for work, such as getting to work on time or following instructions. Employers tell us they need young people to be work-ready – if you have the right attitude, the technical skills can be taught.
SEVEN EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT
Employability skills include:
1. POSITIVE ATTITUDE: A positive attitude is not just about being bubbly. It means showing that you’ll happily do the work asked of you, and you’ll stay upbeat when the work gets hard.
2. COMMUNICATION: Good communication skills are when you follow instructions well and ask questions when you’re confused. Being able to explain things clearly is a bonus for employers.
3. TEAMWORK: Playing or working well with others is not just a bonus on the rugby ground or during that science project, it’s something employers value.
4. SELF-MANAGEMENT: Getting to work on time and dressed appropriately is just one part of self-management. Not getting angry at others when you’re frustrated and managing stress are top skills that will get you a job.
5. WILLINGNESS TO LEARN: Learning doesn’t stop once you leave school. Employers want to know that you can learn new technologies or new skills. Being keen to learn is a good bet for getting a job.
6. THINKING SKILLS: Employers rate thinking skills the highest when looking at your CV. Do you like to solve problems? Can you make a good decision? Do you think before you act?
7. RESILIENCE: Have you got grit? When something knocks you down, do you get back up again? This is resilience. Employers need you to have this skill to cope when things go wrong at work.
SHOW OFF YOUR EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS ON YOUR CV
Include employability skills in the skills list, work history, interests and achievement sections of your CV to wow employers.
■ SKILLS LIST: Bullet point up to five employability skills on your CV, with an example of how you got them.
■ WORK HISTORY: List volunteer work or paid work experience in your work history in a way that showcases your skills.
■ INTERESTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS SECTIONS: What you do in your spare time is a powerful indicator to employers of your range of skills.
Remember: If you can show these skills on your CV, you are on the right track to getting an employer interested in hiring you.
PUTTING YOUR BEST CV FORWARD STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
When you want to find any kind of job, you are going to need a CURRICULUM VITAE (CV). A CV is important because it gives an employer information to help them choose the best person for a job, and it helps you stand out from other applicants.
Your CV needs to include your contact details, a short summary of your skills, any work experience you’ve had and where you are up to with your education.
It is also helpful to include a short profile summary.
CV STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
■ Put your name and contact details clearly at the top, and include a residential address.
■ Add a short profile – two to three sentences in length – explaining a bit about yourself and what you are aiming for in terms of study or career aspirations.
■ List your skills as bullet points and explain where you have used each skill. Include things like team work, responsibility, time management, money handling, customer service, written and oral communication, and computer skills. These are what employers are looking for in younger employees. You can use experience from being in clubs and teams, as well as any paid or unpaid work you have done.
Don’t forget to include the skills that are mentioned in the job advertisement.
■ List any previous jobs you have had, along with the name of who you worked for and what you did.
■ Include an Education section. Provide the year you are in and the subjects you are studying.
■ List your outside interests.
■ List the names and contact details of people who will be referees for you. You need people who know you and have worked with you in some way.
A WORD ABOUT LAYOUT
■ Use a computer to format your CV clearly, leaving plenty of white space so it doesn’t look cluttered.
■ Choose a font that is easy to read. Use headings for each section and list your skills with bullet points.
■ Make sure all headings line up and the line spacing is the same throughout.
■ When you have finished, ask someone else to proofread it for you before you send it off.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it a good idea to get someone else to write my CV for me? No. It is easy to tell when someone else has written a CV because the language is generally more formal and sometimes a bit too sophisticated.
Sure you can get someone to help you if you are not sure how to say something, but putting your CV together yourself will mean that you know what is in it and you will answer interview questions using the same style and language.
Should I include a photo?
As a rule, I generally advise not to. We all like to think that our picture might get us a job, but I think it can introduce the possibility of bias, for whatever reason.
Should I use colour or make it look more attractive in some way?
The content of your CV is the most important thing. Using a lot of colour and design features can be distracting.
Janet Tuck
writer JANET TUCK graphic from i STOCK
FIVE MUST-KNOWS ABOUT STUDENT FINANCE
HUGE LEARNING CURVE
i STOCK
Leaving school to study full time is a huge learning curve. Adulting is expensive and sometimes it is hard to know the best choices to make. Most likely you are becoming financially independent for the first time, and you could be leaving home as well.
Here are five key things you need to know about student finance in New Zealand:
1. UNIVERSITY FEES
The cost of study in New Zealand varies depending on the type of qualification and the institution. Most university degrees are charged per paper, ranging from $700 to $1,500 each, which adds up to around $6,000 to $10,000 a year.
Degrees in fields such as medicine or engineering are typically more expensive as is postgraduate study. The government has scrapped the first-year, fees-free entitlement from 2025 but is bringing in a final year scheme. More information can be found at https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/2025
2. STUDENT LOANS AND ALLOWANCES
The government offers help with paying fees. There is a student loan scheme that most New Zealand students qualify for, and student allowance if your parents’ income is low. Student loans allow you to borrow to cover compulsory course fees, course-related costs of up to $1,000 and living costs up to $316.39 a week. Visit www.studylink.govt.nz for more information.
You may be eligible for a student allowance which is a weekly payment to help with your living expenses.
If you are under the age of 24, and your parents earned less than $134,204.31 in 2024, you could qualify. The amount you receive varies depending on whether you live at home or not, how much your parents earn and if you earn any income. The rules are complex and there is more information at: www.studylink.govt.nz
3. ACCOMMODATION COSTS: HALLS OF RESIDENCE AND RENTALS
Accommodation is one of the largest expenses for students in New Zealand, although if you can stay home with your parents you can usually save on costs. Halls of residence are popular with first-year students.
Costs vary depending on the university and the city, but halls range from $300 to $450 per week, with meals included. There is usually a one-off annual fee of $300 to $600 at most universities.
Costs for flatting vary. In Auckland and Wellington, for example, rent can cost between $200 and $300 per week, excluding utilities. In smaller cities or towns, accommodation is more affordable and renting can be as low as $120 to $200 per week.
If you plan your finances ahead of time, your student experience will run more smoothly.
4. COURSE-RELATED COSTS AND OTHER EXPENSES
You will also have course-related costs such as textbooks, technology, and equipment. Other expenses include transportation, entertainment, food and personal costs, which can vary greatly based on your lifestyle. Most students budget around $15,000 to $18,000 per academic year for living expenses.
5. PAYING BACK YOUR STUDENT LOAN
Study ends eventually and you will need to repay your student loan if you have one. Your repayments are deducted automatically from your salary or wages. When you start work
you’ll go onto the Student Loan (SL) tax code and have 12% of every dollar you earn over the repayment threshold ($24,128 in 2025) deducted automatically from your pay.
The loan is interest-free unless you leave New Zealand for an OE or other reasons. In that case interest will start to accumulate on your loan and repayment obligations will differ.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Studying costs money. However, it can help you get into a career you enjoy and for most people results in them earning more in the long term. If you plan your finances ahead of time, your student experience will run more smoothly.
