22 Breeze Magazine
Lockdown debuts for new RNZYS staff Story and pictures by Debra Douglas Billy (or William, he answers to both) Woodworth, the Squadron’s new Communications Co-ordinator, is the first to admit the advent of level 4 lockdown in August was hardly an auspicious start to a dream job. Twenty-three-year-old Billy joined the Squadron when level 4 was only a few days old and says his transition into the marketing and communications role involved giving his old laptop back to his former employer and receiving a new one to work from home, marketing Squadron on-line events and producing news posts, media releases and Mainsheet. “But I am working in the sporting world and couldn’t be happier at the opportunity,” said Billy. ” I’m now looking forward to seeing what the role is like in its entirety and meeting members in person.” Billy lives and breathes sport, having played rugby, league, football, squash, tennis, golf and hockey. “I grew up in a small town south of Whangarei. It was always hard to get enough numbers to make up a team, so everyone had to be involved in every code.” He has never sailed, however, so taking part in the Squadron’s Learn-to-Sail programme is top of his to-do list. From Year 9 Billy boarded at Auckland Grammar and went on to tutor part time and coach rugby at the school. He spent a year in England as a PE teacher at Reading School and graduated from Auckland University with a BA in Political Science, Media, Film and Television in 2020. Following graduation came a stint as an intern at Sky TV, working on visual and audio editing of sports, live television production and on-screen content. Then early this year he became a customer service ambassador for Inspire Growth Partners, a data-driven agency that works closely with some of the leading automotive brands in New Zealand. Billy describes the job as having a lot of different moving parts to it, very much like his
Billy Woodworth. current role. As a corporate ‘fix it’ person, he would assist customers whose vehicle had failed in some way, even organising roadside assistance. He was also involved with introduction events for potential buyers when new models were launched. Billy: “The attraction of the Squadron was definitely the sport side of things. There is also a massive amount of prestige and expectation involved in my role. I would not have left my previous position for anything less than this. It’s an awesome opportunity.” New RNZYS Finance Manager Donna Dicker also had to get to grips with settling into a new job whilst coping with lockdown land. “It has been challenging,“ said Donna. “When I was interviewed for the role at the beginning of September, we were ever hopeful we would be back in Level 2 on my start date.“ But that, of course, didn’t happen and Donna and her predecessor Sarah Weenink had to deal with the complexities of a remote handover. The transition was successful, however, and
now Donna has her feet firmly under the desk. “It was also difficult dealing with the club’s ‘non trading’ situation. I haven’t seen the club in full operation. In some ways it was a good thing, allowing me to focus on other elements, but I am so looking forward to seeing people here, the bars buzzing, the members happy.” Donna has worked in a diverse range of business operations at a senior management level. Industries ranging from national and regional sports organisations, to multinationals, service and hospitality. This includes four years at Hockey New Zealand Inc. as Finance Manager and 10 years as the Finance and Commercial Manager at the Auckland Cricket Association. Donna says she is versatile, with demonstrated strengths in finance, business and change management, revenue generation, events management and enjoys building relationships with people from all walks of life. “I have a reputation for challenging the status quo and seeking out opportunities for improvement, including streamlining and integrating systems, optimising efficiencies and
