I had a bit of a passion for hospitality and tourism, so I studied tourism at NZST in Hamilton when I left school. It just went from there. When I finished my studies, I wanted to gain as much hospitality experience as I could, so I went around to different hotels and places until Montana gave me an interview. I’ve been loving it ever since!

A definite highlight is the people I work with. They are amazing, funny and really good workers – you just have a good time with them. You know that you can do your job well and still have a bit of fun with them afterwards.

I also really like meeting new people, so it’s all about the people for me. They show a lot of appreciation too which is nice to hear. You’re working hard and when you get a nice “thank you so much!” it is lovely to have that appreciation.

We have companies that work with us quite regularly so you’ll see the same people often and we can make connections with them.

Before coming into this industry, it was quite hard for me to communicate with people and interact with them. It was a challenge at the start, no doubt about it. But having my co-workers with me, helping me out and offering advice, even just little things you can say to break to the ice, it really helped! My people skills have really improved and what was a challenge for me before is really a highlight for me now.

I mean I could tell you how to polish silverware! There’s lots of little tricks and tips you pick up when you’re on the job. My advice would just be to watch what others are doing around you. Get to know your co-workers fast because they’re the ones who will help you learn.

We definitely do things “the Montana way” so get to know your co-workers, watch how they do things, and you’ll pick it up quickly. We also need to keep events running smoothly so having some initiative is key.

It is good to study but it’s not the only option. You don’t always need qualifications to start working. You won’t be starting at the top so don’t expect that, but you will learn so much on the job and they’ll help you build your way up and get to a higher place in the future.

Montana has helped me get my Duty Management License for the bar… I could even go for my forklift license! It’s good to study and have a bit of grounding but you can really get stuck in straight away. If school’s not working out for you, have a think about your options. You will be able to work your way up and get higher in a company if you have the right attitude.

Montana is the loveliest company I’ve ever worked for! They take care of us. We have our staff parties and try and get together as much as we can and make sure that everyone’s okay. We have weekly meetings to make sure our events are going to go okay, and meetings to make sure the staff is going okay. They check in to make sure we’re not working too hard! They really care. 

I love all the different venues I get to work across! From Claudelands Event Centre to the stadium to the University… we work all over. It’s cool to always be somewhere different.