Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Debbie Ruawai

Kerikeri,Far North

Summary

Detail-oriented team player with strong organization skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Experienced customer service professional, a personable individual who is enthusiastic about welcoming visitors to the beautiful Bay of islands..

Strong presentation skills. excellent public speaking skills and knowledgeable of local history, cultural customs, tourist services and events on offer.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Private Tour Guide

Black Robin/Bespoke Kiwi
01.2024 - Current
  • Enhanced visitor experience by providing engaging and informative tours of various attractions.
  • Increased customer satisfaction through attentive listening and personalized tour adjustments based on group interests.
  • Improved group safety by vigilantly monitoring tour participants and implementing strict adherence to safety guidelines.
  • Facilitated memorable experiences for diverse groups by tailoring presentations to cater to different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and language abilities.
  • Strengthened relationships with local businesses by collaborating on promotional events and cross promotions.
  • Received numerous positive reviews from clients, reflecting strong communication skills and in-depth knowledge of tour subjects.
  • Stayed current on area history, culture, events, attractions by attending workshops, lectures, conferences regularly updating tour information accordingly.
  • Provided information on various sites throughout area, relaying little-known stories to provide interest.
  • Shared historical and cultural context to keep tour informative and provide more profound understanding of area.
  • Provided suggestions and recommendations for activities, restaurants and accommodations to keep customers entertained after tour hours.
  • Entertained tour guests with various props and signs for maximum engagement, fun, and lasting memories.
  • Adapted to unexpected schedule changes by being flexible and adjusting itineraries to keep tours moving smoothly.
  • Guided groups on scheduled tours.

Holiday & Property Manager

Owner/Operator
02.2016 - 01.2024
  • Improved team performance by implementing efficient scheduling and task delegation.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with proactive issue resolution and timely communication.
  • Streamlined holiday operations by developing and executing detailed action plans.
  • Boosted team morale through regular feedback, recognition, and team-building activities.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations, reducing risk of incidents.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly, identifying areas for improvement and growth opportunities.
  • Oversaw day-to-day operations of all aspects of holiday management, ensuring smooth functioning and guest satisfaction.
  • Balanced competing priorities effectively during high-stress periods surrounding major holidays.
  • Established and maintained performance, quality and service standards for professional customer care.
  • Recruited and trained high-performing team members, maintaining optimized customer service.

Education

Te Ara Reo Level 3

Te Wananga O Raukawa
11.2016

Conflict Resolution

Frontline Consultants
09.2004

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science (BA HONS)

University of Exeter
England
06.1995

Skills

Knowledgeable on local tourist services

  • Able to build excellent guest relationships
  • Local historical knowledge
  • Presentation skills
  • Public speaking
  • Exceptional communication
  • Customer engagement
  • Clean driving record & current passenger endorsement license
  • Safety consciousness
  • Experienced in individual and personal tours
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Time management abilities
  • Decision-making
  • Reliability
  • Professionalism
  • Adaptability
  • Excellent communication
  • Cultural awareness

Additional Information

I live in Kerikeri with my husband and 13 year old son.

I operated my holiday management business in Paihia, Opua and Kerikeri. I have good knowledge of the local tourist industry.


In my spare time I love spending time at the beach, my husband and son are surfers. I enjoy yoga and hiking with a local walking group.

Timeline

Private Tour Guide

Black Robin/Bespoke Kiwi
01.2024 - Current

Holiday & Property Manager

Owner/Operator
02.2016 - 01.2024

Te Ara Reo Level 3

Te Wananga O Raukawa

Conflict Resolution

Frontline Consultants

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science (BA HONS)

University of Exeter
Debbie Ruawai