From School to Pallet Pro:
Malachi’s journey at Timpack
Meet Malachi – Pallet Washer, team player, and all-round good guy.
Fresh out of Fraser High and Huntly College, Malachi jumped into the workforce with zero experience and a big goal: learn new skills and earn while doing it. Today, he’s part of Timpack’s recycling crew, giving pallets a second life and keeping businesses moving.
Why does he love it?
- Hands-on work (think nail guns and machines!)
- A crew that feels like family
- Real opportunities to grow – forklift licences, machine troubleshooting, and more.
Find out how he got his start and what he loves about the job…
Malachi Wineti
Pallet Washer
Malachi’s Career Advice
“Take your time, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to speak up.”
A chat with Malachi about his role
What do you do for work?
We basically recycle pallets in my department. We make sure they are reusable. They come in different shapes and sizes, then we pretty much clean and fix them and send them right back to be reused.
How did you get into this job/career?
I got in through an agency. It was one of the first jobs they offered me, so I took it and pretty much stuck with it. I have been working here for just over a year. I didn’t have any previous experience before, so this is all new to me.
What technical skills have you learnt on the job?
Operating the machines here. Knowing how to use more hands-on tools like nail guns.
What was it about this career that interested you?
I felt like it was a good entry-level job which would help me gain knowledge and skills in the workforce. It’s been good to get a foot through the door while earning money as well.
What do you love about your job?
The people. We all treat each other like brothers. It’s a very family-oriented environment. Basically, that keeps me going.
What has been your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?
Probably a personal thing, just showing up to the job. It is quite a lot to adjust to, especially getting up early. I’m still trying to manage it at the moment, by having early nights instead of staying up late.
What interpersonal skills have you learnt while working?
Actually, communicating and listening. Most of the time at this job you’re working in a loud environment, so you have to use certain hand signals to communicate to others.
Malachi Wineti
Former Huntly College & Fraser High School Student
Malachi’s Top Tips
What kind of person suits work in this industry?
Someone who is really fit and knows good lifting techniques. Listening is also a really important skill to have. It’s hard teaching someone who doesn’t listen; it tends to make the job more difficult.
Give us your best advice for a new team member?
Basically take your time when you first start. You’re in the learning stages. It’s hard at first, but it gets easier along the way—just try your best. And also don’t be afraid to speak up and voice your opinion – our team are always willing to listen.
What is your approach to work-life balance? What advice would you give to a young person for handling this?
Resting is important. Going back to see my family helps me to relax after a long day at work.
Timpack Hamilton – The Hidden Heroes of Business
Ever wondered what keeps the world moving? Pallets. Yep, those wooden platforms are the unsung heroes of every product you buy. At Timpack, they make sure businesses can deliver goods safely and on time.
Why Timpack Rocks
- Thay’ve been building pallets since 1984 (that’s over 40 years of experience!).
- They use smart tech to design strong, reliable pallets.
- They care about the planet—their pallets are made from sustainable NZ Radiata Pine, and they are the recycle pallet pros.
What They Do
- Design & Build: Custom pallets for all kinds of businesses.
- Think Ahead: They predict what customers need before they do.
- Go Green: Refurbish and recycle pallets to reduce waste.
Careers at Timpack – Your Next Move
Looking for a hands-on entry-level job with real impact? Timpack offers roles where you can learn, grow, and earn.
Here’s what’s on the Career Menu:
Jobs You Could Do
- Production Crew: Build and repair pallets. Perfect if you like working with tools.
- Forklift Operator: Move big loads like a boss.
- Design & Tech: Use software to create custom pallet solutions.
- Logistics & Planning: Keep the supply chain flowing.
Skills That Shine
- Teamwork (Timpack’s all about working together)
- Problem-solving (things move fast—so do they)
- Attention to detail (strong pallets = happy customers)
- Physical fitness (you’ll be active on the job)
Why You’ll Love It
- Hands-on work – no boring desk job here!
- Learn on the job – they train you up.
- Career growth – start on the floor, move into tech or management.
- Eco-friendly vibes – help reduce waste and protect the planet.
Timpack is more than pallets—it’s about keeping businesses moving and creating opportunities for people like YOU. Ready to take the load off and join the team?
How does Timpack support employees in developing their careers?
There are quite a few learning opportunities offered at Timpack. Here they offer training for forklift licences. The company will also fund it. Another is learning how to fix some of the machines – how to get them operating again. Sometimes when they’re jammed up, you can just get in there and fix it yourself. It also helps with knowing how to troubleshoot issues and understand the machine’s components and how it works.
These skills are also transferable. We teach others and they teach us, which I guess creates our team culture and builds stronger relationships.
What do you love about working at Timpack?
The company recognises long-term employees. Our departments will get together to celebrate their milestones. Last one we had a worker reach his 25th year of working here. We usually have a shared lunch together.
Grab a Snapshot of another Timpack Career Profile
