You can contact LEARNZ, part of CORE Education, at:
Postal Address:
PO Box 13 678,
Christchurch 8141,
New Zealand
Meet Taupuruariki Brightwell
Job:
Kaiārahi - guide.
Job description:
<- Homepage: Matariki and navigation from Kupe to Cook to Today
Tour administrator - Te Wharewaka o Pōneke Tours.
Work background:
My role at Te Wharewaka Tours is to manage bookings and information that is fundamental to our operations, ultimately delivering cultural walking and waka tours at Te Wharewaka o Pōneke.
Favourite part of job:
Sharing our stories and culture with the world!
Least favourite part of job:
Winter season, I am no fan of the cold.
What I am working on now:
Developing a new tour of Pipitea Pā (Thorndon).
A quick story about a job well done:
Smiles and laughs are the best result!
A (humorous) story about a job that went badly and what you learned:
Working in a public area can invite unwelcomed guests. One day while on tour a scruffy looking man wearing a yellow raincoat knocked on our window, as I addressed him he began dancing in front of our guests and causing quite the spectacle. We approached the situation in a professional manner and had some laughs in the end. When working with people who are problematic always keep calm, assess the situation and find the best solution to the issue at hand. Remember there is always a way and our team is always there to help.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Design Massey University 2013
- VHF Radio Certificate 2018
- Waka Ama Safety Certificate 2017
- First Aid Certificate 2019
Interests outside work:
- Art and creativity
- Riding motorbikes
- Pop-culture and gaming.
Taupuruariki (Ariki) is a Kaiārahi or guide at Te Wharewaka o Pōneke. Image: Supplied.