Kayden, Junior Porter at The Grand, by SkyCity
Kayden is our Junior Porter at The Grand by SkyCity. As a Porter, he's the 'go-to' person for our guests when they want or need anything, whether that's helping them take their luggage to their room or booking them tours around various places in New Zealand.
When asked what SkyCity's Rainbow Tick accreditation meant to him, he says "SkyCity's rainbow tick really is a huge deal for me. Feeling like I can fit within a company and to not worry about having to hide who I really am is the safest feeling in the world."
Keep on reading to find out more about Kayden as we talk about his role and background.
How long (in total) have you worked at SkyCity?
I have now been working at SkyCity for 3 months.
Briefly describe your current role
My role here at the Grand Hotel is to cater to all guests' needs. Whether that is helping them take their luggage to their room, booking them tours around various places in New Zealand. If there’s anything a guest wants or needs, we as Porters are the go-to people.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
What I enjoy most about my role is the different people I get to meet on a daily basis. Getting to meet people from all walks of life and different cultures really opens your eyes on who a person is.
What sorts of challenges do you encounter?
Some challenges that I face here is getting to really know a customer’s needs and trying to provide them with the best possible outcome if certain arrangements would happen to fall through.
Tell us about some of your career achievements/highlights at SkyCity
Some of my career highlights here at SkyCity has been the ability to adapt to a high and fast paced environment, all while still providing the best customer service that I can.
What did you do before you joined SkyCity?
Before I started working at SkyCity, I was studying Business at Unitec.
What do you enjoy about working at SkyCity?
What I enjoy about working at SkyCity is not only the benefits and the new skills that come out of it, but it is also the work colleagues that turn into lifetime friends.
What would you say to anyone considering joining your team or applying for a job like yours? (What do they need to be aware of?)
For anyone who is considering wanting to be a Porter, just know that it comes with big responsibilities. You need to be assertive, quick thinking and on your toes. but most of all just be yourself and enjoy each and every guests' company.
What does SkyCity’s Rainbow Tick accreditation mean to you?
SkyCity's rainbow tick really is a huge deal for me. Feeling like I can fit within a company and to not worry about having to hide who I really am is the safest feeling in the world.
Which of SkyCity’s employee benefit(s) do you enjoy most?
The best SkyCity employee benefit is probably the free healthcare we get. Being able to get back on your feet after any incident, and doing so for free is amazing.
Is there anything about SkyCity that makes it different to other work places?
The biggest difference between SkyCity and any other work, is really the hands-on skills you learn in the business. SkyCity constantly updates their training being sure to keep you up to date.
Where were you born/raised and how long have you lived in Auckland?
I was born and raised in Cape Town South Africa. My parents moved us over here September 2007.
What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy getting out of the Auckland’s bustling city and retreating to a nice and quiet beach for the day, catching up with some friends and family.
Thank you for sharing your story Kayden! If you're keen on joining our team at SkyCity, then head to our Careers website to find your next job.
