Staff never stop learning at QRS

Watch the story.

Machine operator Tumanako Waiwai has been motivated to pursue a management role in the future after completing a Wairoa Rotary Club leadership course supported by Quality Roading and Services.

“The six-day course helped me develop who I am and what I can be,” says Tumanako Waiwai, Ngāi Tūhoe. “I would say to others ‘line up, take the opportunity, seize it while it’s there.’”

Mr Waiwai’s comments follow a family-friendly celebration this week recognising staff who have furthered their careers over the past 12 months by completing courses, papers, or apprenticeships.

Nineteen staff received accolades with some taking up the company’s offer to bring family along to Road to Your Success Education Celebration.

Chief executive Nigel Pollock says Tumanako Waiwai is exactly the kind of person QRS looks to hire.

“Tumanako’s attitude will lead him to a strong future with QRS. He’s curious, has a willingness to learn and problem solve, and by taking advantage of opportunities like the leadership course he continues to discover that he has what it takes to succeed.”

Mr Pollock says the men and women acknowledged at the special evening share similar levels of drive and motivation and he was thrilled to see so many of their family members.

“We wanted to pay tribute to the families who support our staff from home. Tonight was an opportunity to thank them as well.”

During the celebration people and capabilities manager Jeremy Harker read out the varied educational achievements from the past year for each staff member.

Many had completed Level 4 certificates in industry-relevant subjects such as engineering, civil construction and first line management. Others had completed the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust leadership course. One staff member was just back from an eight-day Outward Bound course, and another was six papers closer to earning a Bachelor of Accounting.

Mr Harker says every year staff have an opportunity to set educational goals for their next 12 months in order to personally develop and prosper. QRS covers the cost of the training.

“There’s no one-size fits all,” says Mr Harker. “Each person can have an open and honest conversation with their manager and set their own personal educational goals. We’ll always help them get there.”

“Tonight was about recognising everyone who has taken the opportunities presented to them and entered into a training or development programme.”

Mayor Craig Little encouraged anyone given that kind of opportunity to keep learning. “I congratulate everyone here tonight.”

Industry training organisation chief executive Kaarin Gaukrodger was thrilled to see the number of QRS staff who have been through Connexis courses. “It’s been a great evening and fantastic to see the investment QRS puts into staff.”

Photo caption: In keeping with the family-themed event Quality Roading and Services chief executive Nigel Pollock presented each staff member with a native tree sampling propagated by his father Gary Pollock. “He values education just like we do at QRS and was very keen that staff receive one of these as they represent growth and new challenges ahead.” Pictured left to right are: Joe Winiana, Aaron Munro, Glenn Bradley (kneeling) Nigel Pollock, Arnold Smith, Tumanako Waiwai (kneeling) and Mayor Craig Little. Image: Melissa Stanaway. 

25 June 2021

Back to News archive