“I’ve been through three major legislative changes in my time here.
“Although I came into the team knowing not a lot, law changes meant I had to come up to speed quickly. I really enjoyed learning that.”
One programme Julie is an ardent supporter of is the Council’s Pathways to Employment initiative.
He Ara Whai Mahi - Pathways to Employment, a partnership between Council and the Ministry of Social Development, was piloted in 2016. The programme gives young adults on the Jobseeker Support benefit who are aged between 18-24 years the chance to work for four weeks in a professional working environment.
“It’s one of the best things the Council has ever done. I love having the opportunity to help someone gain experience and then being able to be a referee for them after they’ve been with us for a month.
“It’s not about there being a job at the end. It’s the benefit to the community who are struggling to get work experience.”
Julie has no plans to ever leave the city she has spent her entire life in – her family roots and love of the region are keeping her put.
“I wouldn’t dream of living anywhere else,” she grins.
“I love the weather. I know that’s weird to say but no two days are the same. I don’t want to live somewhere where I can get up every day and it’s fine.
“My kids and grandkids are still Wellington based. I’m really privileged that they chose to make Wellington their home and I get to see them often.
“They come every Sunday for dinner!”
It’s 2021, so we’re sharing stories about 21 of our people who have worked at Council for 20 years or more. Find out more about the series in this story.