Roles for everyone

Kumeroa (‘Cooms’)

White Water Site Engineer, Utilities

An under-30 representative of Nga Kaitiaki o te Ara Whanake and an alumnae of Te Ara Whanake, goal-driven Kumeroa White (‘Cooms’) describes the immense satisfaction gained from her role, making a difference to the local communities she works with in the water space in the Bay of Plenty.

As a young woman, with only four years’ experience in infrastructure, Cooms says, “I don’t feel I am treated differently because I’m female. The perspective wahine bring on site adds an alternate viewpoint to the project team – not better, just different. Women can be more empathetic and willing to listen or collaborate within a team.”

Cooms believes the support she received from leaders has directly contributed to her career progression to a supervisor role: “Positive mentoring and coaching helped me navigate some challenging times. My managers’ have highlighted strengths in me that I had not recognised in myself. Downer helps people find their niche. It’s such a diverse sector – you can find your area to shine.”

Roimata Maihi

Hawkins Foreperson, Facilities

As a site supervisor with Hawkins, and twenty years with the company Roimata says she’s passionate about encouraging and inspiring others like her into the sector. “We’re starting to balance the scales I think, and that come from education at the top senior level, so we see greater diversity in project teams, not just adding women in as a last resort. There’s now, for sure, more women joining us as apprentices, quantity surveyors and in the BIM-technology areas... but not enough!”

Returning to work eight months after having her son, Roimata says with the support of Hawkins she was not disadvantaged when she returned to work as a single parent, “I was encouraged to pursue opportunities, and over the years I’ve valued strong support for working women from the company. When Hawkins joined the Downer family, I have received amazing professional development opportunities and support. So now I want to manaaki (give back) to pass on what I have learnt.”

When my son turned 14, I took on my role as supervisor, and was able to have work life balance knowing my son was at an age of independence and I was able to commit more to a managerial role.

As a wahine leader of Ako Whakaruruhau, Hawkins Māori and Pasifika trades training and mentoring programme, Roimata currently mentors other wahine across Hawkins sub-contracting whanau.

Downer’s aspiration to support its people to bring their authentic selves to work, is gaining momentum, as this sector leader celebrates difference at all levels. With positive inclusion initiatives breathing life into this organisation, Downer is on track to create an environment where people can own their own purpose, creativity and uniqueness.