Territorial training benefits local boss

From left, Lance Corporal Scott Reardon, Bill Holland, Russell Reardon, Deb Reardon and Des Anderson.

Mr Shelf Mount Maunganui was last week named Employer of the Year by the regional employer support committee of the Territorial Forces Employer Support Council.

Army Reservist Lance Corporal Scott Reardon of 3/6 RNZIR nominated his civilian employers, Russell and Deb Reardon of Mr Shelf, for the award. Scott says he takes more than the usual 20 days' leave each year for training and field exercises with the fulltime Defence Force.

"Twenty days a year for me is probably more like 100 or more," he says.

"If I keep going the rate that I'm going now, I'll be moving into more of a fulltime there and part-time this kind of role."

Mr Shelf owner Deb Reardon says arranging temporary cover for Scott can be a challenge.

"But on the balance the skills he actually learns while he's away ... he brings those back," Deb says.

Last year Scott did a management course and suggested they instigate a 'toolbox meeting' each week, as a chance for all areas of the business to get together and give updates on what they're working on and deal with any issues. Deb says they have been beneficial to the business.

"Yes, it is hard when he's away ... but what he brings back, I think, more than compensates."

The Employer of the Year award was established to recognise the contribution employers make by allowing staff to train and serve as members of the Reserve Forces of the New Zealand Defence Force.