Celebrating International Women's Day

Over the years, women have striven for more representation in the industry and now have the opportunity to become pilots, ground crew and operations staff. To celebrate International Women’s Day, Wellington Airport is recognising some of the women who are diversifying the landscape and inspiring more females to enter the industry. 

This week we talk with some of our team about their careers and working at Wellington Airport.

Lunetta Lach - People & Culture Coordinator

What made you want to work in aviation?

To be honest, I never really knew a lot about aviation – I now know the difference between an ATR and Q300! My family and I would travel internationally often so definitely loved the travel side. It wasn’t until I got the role of Operations Administrator that I fully discovered the crazy and wonderful behind the scenes of aviation. Now whenever I travel, my mind automatically focusses on the airport operations!

What does a great day at work include?

Being able to get my work completed. It sounds super boring but there’s something about being able to have items crossed off your to-do list that makes me feel accomplished. It also includes having some great banter with others and a few laughs!

What is particularly challenging in the work you do?

I am fairly new in the People and Culture team, less than a year!, so I am still getting used to my role, which can be challenging at times but I’m enjoying it so far! It definitely helps having super supportive and helpful colleagues in my team, even when I ask the most random of questions!

What’s the best advice you have been given in your career?

“You never know unless you ask.” This is something my older sister has always said to me and my little sister. It sometimes gets annoying when she repeats it but it’s even more annoying because you know she’s right!

Where do you want to be in five years’ time?

For some reason, I’ve always struggled with this question! I’m Cambodian and a first-generation Kiwi – growing up in Aotearoa has been amazing but over the years, I’ve lost my fluency in Khmer. I’m hoping in five years’ time, I’ll become fluent again in Khmer!

Hayley Brown - Integrated operations Controller

What made you want to work in aviation?

My dad used to take me to Auckland Airport every weekend to watch the planes take off and land, so I guess that’s where it all started. My career in aviation began when I joined Qantas as a short-haul Flight Attendant based out of Auckland, before transferring to Wellington. When Covid hit halting international travel, I had to make the tough decision to leave behind my amazing fellow crew members and head down a different career path. My aim was to stay in the aviation industry and a position as a Land Services Support Officer at Wellington airport popped up so I applied. One incredible year later, I am now an Integrated Operations Controller, and I am enjoying it every day.

What does a great day at work include?

Making a passenger’s day and receiving great feedback from them is always a bonus. Also, my awesome team really makes a difference. We all get along and work well together, it makes it so much more fun even on the more challenging days.

What is particularly challenging in the work you do?

Very occasionally technology fails us which has the potential to cause significant business disrupts. You try your best to fix the problem as soon as possible, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. However, having a great team and support network really makes a difference.

What’s the best advice you have been given in your career?

“You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take”. A quote by Wayne Gretzky. A couple of good people I know have told me this.

Where do you want to be in five years’ time?

A goal of mine that I am chipping away at is to be a Duty Manager

Anna Ioane - Qualified Fire Fighter

What made you want to work in aviation? 

I grew up in Tokelau, a group of isolated coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean only accessible by ship, where aeroplanes are only things you see in movies. These flying machines always struck curiosity in me as a child as I dreamed to one day work in or around them. I fulfilled this curiosity and my aviation journey started when I moved to New Zealand. I studied aviation management, took up flying lessons and got my foot in the door. From there, I've been fortunate enough to work in various roles in the aviation industry from ground handling, airside operations and now a firefighter for Wellington Airport Fire Service (AFS).

What does a great day at work include? 

Many things! Teamwork and being a team player are essential in my role, so as a crew we do most things together. I love to train and grow as a firefighter, as well as developing new skills. We have to be mentally and physically ready and prepared for any task, so gym sessions are a must, whether its meditation, yoga or a workout. It gets competitive at times, and I like to challenge the guys every now and then, especially being the only female on crew haha. Great meals, various call outs and medicals are also amongst my likes here at AFS

What is particularly challenging in the work you do? 

Covid has affected AFS work in many ways. My role involves me working in and around aircraft and rescue appliances as well as rescue vessels, so training in these environments is not only diverse but important. Since Covid, there has been less opportunity to do hot fire and marine training and call outs and medicals have also declined. As a crew we have had to do what we can to maintain our skills and knowledge in the station with the resources available to us, which can be challenging at times.

What’s the best advice you have been given in your career? 

You add more value if you're doing what you love and most passionate about. This has got me far in my career. Like the saying goes "if you love what you do u never work a day in your life"

Where do you want to be in five years’ time? 

Onwards and upwards! Where I'm destined to be.

Jenna Raeburn - GM Corporate Affairs

What made you want to work in aviation?

I grew up in Miramar and love the airport, this is my stomping ground! It’s not just about aviation for me, but everything the airport does for our local community, the collaborations with Wētā workshops, support for arts and events, and the great vibe in the terminal. I’m really proud to work for New Zealand’s coolest, most creative airport.

What does a great day at work include?

The best days are busy days when there is a lot happening in the terminal. My absolute favourite day last year was the launch of the trans-Tasman bubble when we were able to reconnect friends and family who hadn’t seen each other in a very long time. Air travel isn’t just for fun – it’s essential to connect with loved ones, expand horizons and understand the world a little better. I can’t wait to see international travellers in the airport again later this month.

What is particularly challenging in the work that you do?

The challenges change all the time, particularly through Covid-19 which has been relentless for our industry. Thinking back to our strategic priorities when I started at the airport three years ago, our biggest challenges today are completely different. We have needed to constantly adapt and sometimes move very fast. That’s what keeps it interesting!

What’s the best advice you have been given in your career?

Never turn down an opportunity, say yes to everything.

Where do you want to be in five years time?

Hopefully still right here! Once we are through Covid the airport will be able to reinvigorate some of our exciting future plans. By then we will have made significant strides in our planning for sustainable air travel and I’m really looking forward to working on our plans for electric aircraft and sustainable fuels over the next few years.

My first baby is also due in June this year so I’m looking forward to the crazy work/mum juggle! I admire the parents I work with so much. Having kids really hones their ability to prioritise and focus on what’s in front of them. It’s going to be a bit of a crazy time but it’s completely possible to have a career and a family, I can’t wait to see what it brings. 

Roshni Patel - Commercial Leasing Manager

What made you want to work in aviation?

I was fortunate to experience a lot of international travel growing up. I loved traveling, planes, and airports, and always knew I wanted to work in tourism and aviation. I wrote this story as a 7 year old:

When I Grow up
When I grow up, I want to be an air hostess, because it will be fun to go on planes and go to different countries. If the plane stopped at Hawaii, I would stay at Sheraton Waikiki because there is a beach right outside and it is hot everyday. I want to work on Singapore Airlines or British Airways because they give good service. If the plane crashes, I will have made a bad choice." - Roshni Patel, Age 7.

I didn’t quite end up becoming a flight attendant, or working for Singapore Airlines – but did end up having them as one of my tenants! 

What does a great day at work include?

In my role I work with our Manager Retail & Advertising and Manager Commercial Property to look after Wellington Airport’s circa 150 tenants, who are all my ‘babies’. These include in terminal operators, the Airport Retail Park, airlines, border agencies, and various commercial businesses in our offsite buildings and hangars. A great work day is when I have happy tenants – I pride myself on building relationships, communicating well, and making sure we’re a great landlord! A great work day also includes seeing passengers and staff enjoying our terminal experience – it’s really special to be able to effect change in my role (e.g. helping to select what food/retail options we have in terminal, and closely working on these from inception to implementation).

What is particularly challenging in the work that you do?

My work can be summarised as tenant, lease, property, and facilities management. During Covid-19, lease negotiations have been challenging in what are already challenging times. On a case by case basis we have worked with all tenants to balance the impacts on both businesses, and achieve equitable outcomes. More generally with the Property portfolio, facilities and maintenance items are often challenging as they involve dealing with multiple internal teams and contractors, and setting expectations with tenants while trying to resolve issues as quickly as possible.

What’s the best advice you have been given in your career?

Rather than focusing on a profession, find an industry that you are passionate about. This is exactly what I did. Having studied accounting, commercial law, and tourism management at university, I knew I didn’t want to go down the traditional accounting route. Instead I landed my dream job which incorporates all of my study areas, in an industry that is exciting and fast paced. I have been with Wellington Airport for 8+ years now, have developed my role considerably, and am lucky to work on such diverse projects.  

Where do you want to be in five years time?

In a position where I can still say I love my job, wherever that may be!

More profiles coming later this week.