After studying as a primary school teacher, I soon learned that many incredible young people were not making it through the public school system and were taking an alternative education path in vocational tertiary study; some were by choice, and others by the direction of someone in authority. I saw the promise that perhaps society didn’t understand or could not serve in the conventional way. For some reason – I could relate and connect, and that was something not everyone could do, even with all their efforts. It sat well with my heart to dedicate my efforts to supporting these youth in their educational pathway… even if just for a season of their life.

It’s been my deepest honour to serve in different roles – delivering learning directly to students, moving into Programme Management, Programme Development, managing Cadetship programmes, taking on Learning and Development for the institute, Campus Management and Head of School roles across different cities, leading Pastoral Care, and even leading the Institute Human Resource services for a short time. Each role was special in its own way. One thing that remained the same – no matter what I was doing and who I was doing that with everyone desired to be better than the day before, to be seen and supported by people they trusted.

I have always loved working directly with youth, but as I moved into management and leadership roles, the power of influence as a leader grew—it reaches further and touches more people. Instead of just influencing my class, I could influence a whole campus, a team of tutors/teachers, or thousands of students. I desired to be part of a more significant, meaningful influence nationally for our youth.

My primary responsibilities as Mata Herehere include engaging with those in the Real Estate & Rental Services industries and ensuring the industry voice is at the forefront of decisions that will affect future workers in the industry. I have found talking to professionals so inspiring; they are serious about what they do, passionate about who they serve, and constantly pivoting to improve their service.

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

This role allows us to have ongoing discussions with industry. It is not about us making industry better, but about industry being represented across New Zealand and being heard. WDCs allow industry to be understood, heard and responded to without agenda.

What achievements of Ringa Hora are you most proud of?

When I was interviewed for this role of Mata Herehere Industry Engagement Lead, I asked a question relating to what Ringa Hora had achieved so far.  The response given was something I feel still stands true for me today – there’s so much more to do.

I’m proud of:

• My team – our ability to quickly adapt and move with what has been required of us
• Establishing great working relationships with the Real Estate and Rental Services industry, experiencing the passion in that space and building understanding in an industry so different to anything I have been involved with in my career.
• Supporting a new Private Training provider get started
• Working across WDCs – learning from my peers, supporting each other, sharing the wins and learning from the mistakes.