He uri ahau no Ngaiterangi me Ngati Ranginui.
I am born, raised and still living in Auckland, with roots firmly entrenched in Tauranga Moana.

I am the industry Engagement Lead for Cleaning, Security and Retail & Distribution.

I have worked in Education for the best part of my adult life.  I’ve worked with every type of learner from Papatoetoe to Japan, Otara to London, and Alfriston to West Sussex.  I see education as an opportunity for young people to change the trajectory of their lives.  Better education opens more doors to opportunities.

I was attracted to Ringa Hora because I saw, and still see, the need for young people to gain fit-for-purpose training in their chosen industry. We must have industry voice as a guide for the development of standards and qualifications in order to have fit-for-purpose qualifications. This will ensure young people undertaking training are best prepared for the career they have chosen and, in doing so, increase their value to employers.

What role can Ringa Hora play in making the industry better?

Everyone is busy in my industry portfolios (Cleaning, Retail & Distribution, and Security).  They are busy creating and maintaining their businesses and don’t have time to understand the possibilities in VET education, including qualification reviews, amendments to current standards and quals, and responses to current and projected industry needs.  Ringa Hora can do this, allowing industry to focus on what they do best: business.

Our network of stakeholders across all the service industries means we can broker relationships for the betterment of your industry and your business.

What achievements of Ringa Hora are you most proud of?

• The effective working relationships I’ve been involved with at Ringa Hora in a short time.
• My close working relationship in the cleaning sector has brought me joy, knowing that I can support this under-valued lifeline to NZ businesses.
• The creation of the supply chain and distribution National industry advisory group is an example of a successful collaboration across industries and sectors.  Bringing a greater understanding to the members of whats possible in the VET space to upskill their staff as well as shining spotlight on the sector as a career.
• Changes to the CoA in the security sector with the introduction of skills standards is also an example of success that has brought pride.