I think a good employee should show initiative and commitment to their employers and repay whatever level of responsibility and trust their employer puts in them. In my case, Matt and Tina leave me in charge of a very expensive piece of gear which includes any decisions I need to make and I do my best to make sure I don't let them down.
How did it feel to be named Rotorua's employee of the year?
It felt a bit surreal, to be honest - I didn't expect to win and had to write a speech in my head on my way up to the stage! But looking back, it is pretty cool to have had that experience.
What do you love most about the job?
My favourite part of my job is when I get some clients who I click with without any effort and we just go sailing and have a great day out on the lake.
What is the most challenging part of the job?
When the weather is terrible and people are a bit down about it and we have to try to make them realise that they are, in fact, having an amazing time! Or when I have a mechanical hiccup at a critical moment and have to sort it out calmly even though I'm a bit stressed.
If you could pick anyone in the world, who would you most like to host on a cruise and why?
I would like to take Jamie Oliver sailing because I think he is a pretty inspirational guy and he seems like he would be pretty fun as well.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
I live in a big playground, so achieving a balance is pretty easy - we work random hours and days, so it never gets boring.
What's one thing you think can be done to make Rotorua a better tourism destination?
I think Rotorua could have an amazing waterfront development - similar to what has been done on Eat Streat. Obviously the logistics of this are beyond me though.
What is the next goal for you?
The next goal for me is the one I'm currently working on, which is becoming a firefighter and is taking most of my waking moments for the next couple of months.
