Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Unaloto Mataele, but everyone calls me Una. I'm originally from Vava’u, the second largest city in Tonga. I grew up in the villages of Feletoa and Leimatua. When I was 10, my family and I moved to New Zealand. We first lived in Māngere, Auckland, where I attended Intermediate and started College. Later, my parents relocated to Christchurch for work and eventually settled in Gisborne in 2012. I have four siblings, and I completed my education at Gisborne College in 2017, finishing with NCEA Level 2.

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Tell us about your career journey? What inspired you as you moved through the workforce? Were there any role models or advocates that supported you? What motivates you in your work?

Initially, I aspired to join the Police Force, but my first job was with a cleaning company, which introduced me to earning money and shifted my career path. Afterward, I worked at a plywood company called JNL, producing plywood for nearly a year until the company went bust in 2017. On the same day I lost my job, my cousin Ane, who worked for JNP Aviation, called me and invited me to join her at JNP. I started my first job as a ramp agent at 18, a role that unexpectedly allowed me to see all of Aotearoa.

My family and JNP Aviation are my primary motivators. My boss, Josh Payne, has been instrumental in my career progression, facilitating my move from Gisborne to New Plymouth, where I advanced from Team Leader to Ramp Manager.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Josh helped me return to Gisborne to be close to my family as an Assistant Manager. However, I was eager to take on the challenge of managing a larger port, which led me back to New Plymouth. Embracing opportunities and taking risks motivates me because I know I have support.

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What formal qualifications or on-the-job training have you completed? What are your views on qualifications, upskilling, and on-the-job experience?

Although I didn't start with formal qualifications, I've since completed all the necessary Air New Zealand training to work safely on the ground in aviation, including training in refueling. There’s a significant amount of upskilling and on-the-job training available, and now JNP Aviation offers qualifications through their training programs.

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Do you have any thoughts on cultural competency and its role in workplaces?

As a manager, it’s crucial to be inclusive and aware of your employees' backgrounds. Balancing your role with making your team feel at home is essential. This approach is a significant part of the culture at JNP Aviation.

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Can you share any significant stories from your industry?

One memorable day in 2018 coincided with the Christchurch shootings. The Prime Minister needed to rush to Christchurch via Wellington on an Airforce aircraft, which required refueling. It was my job to refuel the aircraft, and as I worked just above the window of the wing, I saw the Prime Minister with her baby only two meters away. In that moment, I thought, "Wow! I never imagined I'd be refueling the Prime Minister’s aircraft. I felt like I had truly made it!"

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