Deserved win for 'model employee'

Annie Clare at work at the Agrodome. Photo / Ben Fraser

It was second time lucky for the Agrodome's Annie Clare when she was named the 2013 Rotorua Employee of the Year.

Mrs Clare was a finalist in the category last year so she was delighted to go one better and take the prize on Friday.

"It's great, it's a good feeling," she said. "The second year is the lucky year."

She said she wasn't expecting to win, after being told by the judges during her interview just how strong the competition was.

"I didn't prepare my speech or anything."

Mrs Clare, originally from Thailand, is the Agrodome's director for South East Asia and has been with the company 18 years.

Before coming to Rotorua, she worked for-five star hotels around the world. While living in Australia she met her Kiwi husband and after a stint in Thailand the pair settled in New Zealand.

She began looking for work where she could use her tourism and hospitality experience.

"I'd been to the Agrodome as a visitor and thought it was a nice place."

She sent them her CV, had an interview and was hired. Initially she did marketing work for both the Agrodome and the Lakeland Queen, until the Agrodome got busier and needed her full time.

Her enthusiasm for the Agrodome and Rotorua is infectious. "Our [Agrodome's] product is amazing," she said. "I love New Zealand and I love Rotorua, it has so many things to offer. For me it's the best place."

She said she loved having a farm for a workplace and being part of a team where everyone helped each other.

"Even though I'm in marketing and promotions, if I see the shop is busy I will help them."

She also enjoys the regular domestic and international travel, which is integral to her job.

Mrs Clare said the potential business from South East Asia was huge. As well as China, India and Indonesia were two of the big emerging markets the Agrodome was working with, she said.

Mrs Clare said she was lucky husband Lyell and their 15-year-old daughter were "100 per cent behind her".

She said they would probably have a few sips of champagne at work sometime next week to celebrate her win.

"It's an honour. . . [but] I couldn't get this award without the support of my business."

Mrs Clare said she would happily work at the Agrodome "probably until I retire".

Chances are, Agrodome general manager Grant Kilby will be quite happy to hear that.

He described Mrs Clare as an "absolute model employee".

"She's one of those go-to people within the organisation that mentors other staff."

He said she was highly respected in the industry and even competitors sometimes went to her for advice.

"She's always looking for opportunities to develop the Agrodome business and to support Rotorua as a whole."

Mr Kilby said he was rapt Mrs Clare won the award.

"It was highly deserved," he said.