Meet Maxine and Astrid, Gaming Machine Supervisors at SkyCity Hamilton. They tell us their stories of how they got started with us and what keeps them going, keep on reading below to find out more!
Maxine Watene
Hi, my name is Maxine and prior to working for SkyCity Hamilton, I used to be a Pokies/TAB operator in my little home town called Morrinsville, which is where I still live. I also lived in Australia for a couple of years and that's where I had my son Christian who is now 18. I thought it would be a great idea to apply for a job at SkyCity as I had Pokies experience - turned out that I didn't know squat compared to what I know now.
I am one of three full-time Gaming Machine Supervisors. I will have been working at SkyCity Hamilton for 6 years in October. I originally applied for a Table Games Dealer position but missed out and started as a Gaming Machine Attendant a few weeks later and I was stoked. I completed training with four others and there are only two of us still employed with the company but I'm the only one left on Machines. 3-4 months later I was promoted to Dual Rate, and then in February 2015, I got the full-time Supervisor position.
The first year was very challenging as there was so much to learn. I was very fortunate to have the support of Astrid and Jason who I was always able to go to for help and assistance while I learnt the ropes. I remember being very nervous when I first started out as the Supervisor and it took me quite a while to feel fully comfortable in the role. Four years on I am now far more relaxed but am always learning new things on the job and I still have room to grow.
It took a lot of hard work and great teammates to get to where I am today, but the journey has been a worthwhile one and I have no regrets missing out on tables.
Astrid Barr
I started working for SkyCity on Independence Day 2004 as a trainee dealer. I remained a dealer for 8 months and then transferred to the gaming machine department as an attendant. I gradually worked my way up from attendant to dual rate attendant to supervisor. I took a 3 month "holiday" from SkyCity in 2008 to work for IRD but missed the social aspects of the casino so was lucky enough to be rehired at SkyCity.
I have been a supervisor for about 7 years now and am the self appointed Senior Gaming Machine Supervisor. I am the main trainer for our department and most of our existing staff have been trained by me. I train in all areas of the department, attendants, premier and dual rate supervisors. I was previously a teacher of special needs teenagers and adults so teaching is my forte. I am also very tenacious and will work furiously to get to the bottom of any situation or puzzle.
I have been married for 35 years to my childhood sweetheart and we have been living in Huntly for 34 years. In my spare time I am passionate about animals and renovation. I have been a dog breeder for 15 years and have repainted my house and re-done the gardens more time than I can count. I like to be on the go at all times. My husband and I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. My oldest boy lives near us in Huntly, my middle child who used to work for SkyCity Hamilton as a chef is now established in Perth and my daughter lost her battle with mental illness at age 18.
Through the years at SkyCity I have been involved in the change from Action to Premier and from coins to TITO both having major impacts on staff and guests. My favourite part of the job is celebrating a win for the occasional gambler that has an unexpected large win - the joy and excitement they feel is contagious. I still remember a time when a guest was being hurried up to leave by her friends so she bet her remaining $10 in one spin to collect $2500 - thinking back on her reaction still makes me smile.
Thanks for sharing your story Maxine and Astrid! If their stories inspired you to join our team at SkyCity Hamilton, then check out our current job opportunities.
