NZ POST EMPLOYEE
writer PETER WHITE // photographer ALAN STEVENS
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REWARDING, BUSY WORK AT NZ POST
SURROUNDED BY A GOOD TEAM It is an exciting time for LACHLAN BALFOUR, who is settling in to his first main job since leaving school after finishing Year 12 in 2021.
The 16-year-old started working for NZ Post at their Tauranga Mail Centre in March. Every day, large trucks arrive full of parcels and Lachlan’s job is to work as part of a team to sort the parcels into different towns and cities throughout New Zealand. The job is physical and busy – there is always lots to do – but Lachlan enjoys it. “We sort all the parcels into areas and then they get taken away and delivered all over the country. There is quite a bit to learn but the manager teaches you well, so it is pretty easy to learn,” says Lachlan. “There is the chance to get my forklift licence as well, which I want to do. It’s pretty mean. The forklift drivers
it IS GOOD WORKING WITH SO MANY COOL PEOPLE. I LIKE THE DIFFERENT CULTURES THAT ARE THERE. IT IS NICE TO GET ALONG WITH EVERYONE AND SEE WHAT THEIR CULTURE IS LIKE AND JUST BOND really. LACHLAN BALFOUR
unload these things called maxis off the truck and bring them into the depot for us to sort. The maxis are way too heavy for us to move.” Lachlan likes being part of a team and working with a diverse range of people. “It is good working with so many cool people. I like the different cultures that
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are there. It is nice to get along with everyone and see what their culture is like and just bond really. It is a good environment to work in.” In Year 12 at Tauranga Boys’ College, Lachlan studied Hospitality and Catering, Agriculture, Science, English and Building Related Trades.
Lachlan wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to do after leaving school but with family working at NZ Post who spoke highly of working there, he applied for an open vacancy and has found a great start to his working career. “I thought it would be nice to try it and to get some money. I didn’t really enjoy school so I thought this would be the best decision for me.” Lachlan regards Black Caps cricket captain and former Tauranga Boys’ head boy Kane Williamson as someone he looks up to. Lachlan was photographed talking to Kane when he was nine, with the photo appearing with a story in the local newspaper. “I remember that well. It is a good memory. Kane is just a role model to all young kids really, those wanting to play cricket and just in general.
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