Mareko is our Assistant Operations Manager for Conventions and Out Catering. Having been with SKYCITY for 12 years, he’s held many jobs in different parts of our business. In his current role, he manages a staff pool of over 200 people! No doubt that it’s challenging - so what’s the key, he says? You have to love working with people. Keep on reading to find out more!
What's your current role and how long how have you held it?
Assistant Operations Manager – Conventions and Out Catering. I’ve been in this role for almost a year.
What other roles have you held at SKYCITY?
Throughout the years at SKYCITY, I’ve held many roles. I’ve been a Waiter for Conventions and Out Caterings (Conventions), Conventions and Out Catering Supervisor (Conventions), Casual Pool Coordinator (Workforce Planning), Scheduling Administrator (Workforce Planning), and Casual/On Call Labour Manager (Conventions).
How long (in total) have you worked at SKYCITY?
I’ve been with SKYCITY for 12 years.
Can you describe your current role?
As the Assistant Operations Manager – I assist the Operations Manager with the smooth day-to-day operations and management of all events within the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre and Out Catering events, managing wages and salary costs, creating rosters according to demand and labour budgets and managing the Conventions staff pool of over 200 people.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I really enjoy working in a team environment and the different types of events we deliver both in the Convention Centre or Offsite functions. Making our clients happy and knowing our whole team puts in our best work is very satisfying.
What sorts of challenges do you encounter in your role?
Some of the challenges that I encounter are ensuring I have covered all events when writing rosters where the final guaranteed minimum number of guests for an event can still be changed five working days prior to the event and managing 200 plus direct reports from our Conventions staff pool.
What did you do before you joined SKYCITY?
Before coming to New Zealand, I was working part-time while at school at the Edgewater Resort as a waiter, cashier and bartender in Rarotonga. I have always wanted to become a flight attendant and I wanted to work for Air New Zealand. I then came to New Zealand to study towards a flight attendant certificate at Travel Careers and Training, however that changed when I started working here at SKYCITY.
What do you enjoy about working at SKYCITY?
SKYCITY is a multicultural workplace and I like that we celebrate the diversity that we have.
I get a lot of support from different departments which enables me to do my job well.
What would you say to anyone considering joining your team or applying for a job like yours?
You have to be adaptable, be able to multi-task, have great communication skills, have experience and knowledge in events management, staff management skills, cultural awareness and you have to love working with people.
Which of SKYCITY’s employee benefit(s) do you enjoy most?
I enjoy the discounted car parking. Considering we’re in the CBD, it’s very convenient. It’s also a cheaper option for me if I compare it to paying for public transport.
Is there anything about SKYCITY that makes it different to other work places?
People don’t need to leave the business to get a promotion, or to move forward in other ways with their career. We’re a big business with many opportunities around if you apply yourself.
Where were you born/raised and how long have you lived in Auckland?
I was born in the Cook Islands and have lived in Auckland for about 16 years.
What do you get up to outside of work?
I love gardening and watching sports.
Thanks for sharing your story Mareko! If his story inspired you to join SKYCITY, check out our Careers website to view the work opportunities we currently have!
