Graduand Biographies
Deb Godinet
Stephen Guerin
Puamiria Maaka
Background
Background
Background
Manager Property, Auckland Transport
I am a lawyer and planner by professional training. I have worked as a lawyer in both the private and public sectors. For the past seven years, I have worked at Auckland City Council as the manager of property development and more recently as manager of CBD projects. In November I was appointed to the role of Manager Property for the new Auckland Transport organisation.
Reflection The programme redefined leadership for me, as a personal journey, an enquiry into who I am, what I stand for and what I will personally commit to create value for society. A unique opportunity and privilege to deepen my understanding of the critical issues constraining our collective ability to improve and sustain the quality of life for all New Zealanders. We have met a lot of inspirational, intelligent, humorous and generous people who are creating the space for people to deliver positive outcomes. I believe the experience will enable me to make a more effective contribution within my sphere of influence to a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.
General Manager Fruitfed Supplies, PGG Wrightson Ltd
I am responsible for the strategic and operational direction as well as the development of our people for the Fruitfed Supplies business unit in the New Zealand horticultural market. The business operates from the Far North to Central Otago, with a highly dedicated and motivated team of up to 200 staff – in the peak of the season – delivering solutions to our horticultural clients focused on food safety, market access and quality produce for the New Zealand domestic and international wine and food markets. A desire to complete my professional qualifications saw me join my current employer about 22 years ago. The reason I have stayed with my employer is because of the people I work with, the values of our organisation, the role we play in the New Zealand economy and the challenge of the various roles I have had.
Reflection
I am a lawyer and planner by professional training and was recently awarded the Auckland City Council’s Chief Executive Urban Design Excellence Award.
This year has been one I will always remember. Why? The people on the course, the speakers we interacted with and the topics we covered. The key takeouts for me have been – there is no grand plan for New Zealand that we are working to. There is however a collection of people in communities with plans, ideas who are committed to making a difference. It falls on us all to listen, research topics of importance, discuss and get involved in our communities to make a difference. The leadership journey for me has only just started.
Current community involvement
Skills offered
Skills offered
I contribute to the community through my role as Group Manager of CBD Projects Auckland City Council, a strategic implementation unit with responsibility to deliver a 10 year strategy to transform Auckland’s CBD into a premier business location, civic and cultural centre, centre of excellence for education, research and development, and a high quality urban environment. Outside of my job I have no formal community commitment.
Location Auckland
16
Governance; finance; strategic planning; people management and development.
Current community involvement Board member Netball North; Young Horticulturalist of the Year.
Location Auckland
Manukura (General Manager), Te Waipuna Puawai Mercy Oasis Limited I am from Ngati Paruaharanui, Ngati Hinerangi hapu and Ngati Pikiao iwi and am a mother to three teens. I have spent over 20 years in management and leadership roles in local government and community development and have an avid interest in social justice. My previous roles have included Roading Services Manager, Bicultural Relationships Manager with Auckland City, Accountant with Onehunga Borough and establishment Project Manager of Ka Mau Te Wero.
Reflection I expected to be exposed to diverse leaders, people, perspectives, knowledges, values, and was. I looked forward to expanding my understanding of issues of significance to all New Zealanders, and I did. I hoped to become a member of a network that I would not otherwise have had access to, and I have. By holding the space and using a process of intentional, focussed, deep and spirited conversations I now know that we can find shared understanding and in spite of our differences, can work together on issues of common interest for the benefit of all. I didn’t expect to have hope restored for our collective future, but it has been. We each recognise that everyone has a contribution to make and collectively can encourage and support each other.
Skills offered Community development; organisational management; relationship building with diverse communities; strategic thinking; project management.
Current community involvement Member of Tāmaki Inclusive Engagement Strategy (TIES) team; member of Hunga Tiaki Rāpā and their elected observer at the Tāmaki Transformation Programme Board. Secretary for Paruaharanui Marae. Trustee on various Māori land trusts. Te Kura Māori O Nga Tapuwae parent and supporter.
Location Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland)