Kirsty Parkhill
Hamilton,New Zealand
Summary
Customer-focused professional with strong experience in customer service, problem-solving, and administration. Skilled at handling complex queries, building rapport with diverse people, and delivering positive outcomes in challenging circumstances. Adaptable and quick to learn new systems, with a proven ability to collaborate in team environments while maintaining attention to detail. Seeking to bring strong communication and service skills to Genesis to support outstanding customer experiences.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Kaiārahi (Host Guide)
Time Unlimited
Auckland, New Zealand
11.2013 - Current
- Facilitated cultural and political discussions with international guests, strengthening their understanding of Te Ao Māori, the Treaty of Waitangi, and New Zealand’s bicultural foundations.
- Maintain strong community and local business relationships to deliver high-quality visitor experiences.
Voting Place Manager
Electoral Commission
Hamilton, New Zealand
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Planned and executed electoral processes in 2020 Election, 2022 Hamilton By-election, and 2023 Election, ensuring compliance and operational success.
- Managed high-stakes public interactions with impartiality and professionalism.
Customer Service Consultant
Earthquake Commission & Madison Recruitment (contract extended multiple times)
Hamilton
05.2016 - 12.2016
- Applied strong communication and problem-solving skills to deliver to customers via phone following a natural disaster, providing empathetic claims assistance.
- Demonstrated professionalism and resilience in high-pressure, emotionally charged situations.
- Only consultant in my intake offered multiple contract extensions for outstanding performance; role concluded successfully.
Business Development & Account Manager
CTM, Accor, The Quadrant Hotel
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Developed strategic partnerships with government and corporate clients, including IBM, Fonterra, Ministry of Justice, and NZ Police.
- Provided analytical reports and account management services with attention to client goals and compliance requirements.
Destination Manager
Complete Tours
Marrakech, Morocco
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Sole point of contact for tour participants and stakeholders while in-country, calmly resolving any issues as they arose, demonstrating adaptability, problem-solving, and cultural awareness.
- Achieved a 100% issue-resolution rate, with companies frequently requesting me as their preferred manager due to my ability to successfully troubleshoot and professionalism.
- Managed international tourists in Morocco, overseeing their safety, logistics, and overall experience.
Tour Leader
Imaginative Traveler
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Led international tours, fostering intercultural diplomacy and strong community relationships.
Education
Master of Arts - International Relations and Security Studies
Waikato University
Hamilton, New Zealand09.2025
Bachelor of Social Sciences - Political Science and Public Policy
Waikato University
Hamilton, New Zealand01.2023
Skills
- Customer service and conflict resolution
- Clear and empathetic communication (verbal & written)
- Outbound and inbound call handling
- Problem-solving and investigations
- Administration and data accuracy
- Team collaboration and adaptability
- High emotional intelligence
Languages
French, Basic proficiency with clear expression, developed through immersive study; limited fluency and comprehension due to infrequent use.
References
References available upon request.
Volunteer Leadership
- Club Secretary, Melville Junior Rugby Club, 01/01/24, Current
- President, Treasurer, Property Manager, Social Media Coordinator, Playcentre Hamilton, 01/01/15, 12/31/22
- Refugee support volunteer, Red Cross, 01/01/15, 12/31/15
Project Policy Experience
- Dissertation (completed), China’s Grand Strategy and the Pacific Islands – Do Beijing’s Goals Support or Undermine the Region’s Interests? Analysed the implications of Chinese Grand Strategy on Pacific Island national interests.
- Track 2 Dialogue NextGen Track II Masterclass Programme, Participated as a discussant in a Track 2 dialogue hosted by the Asia Foundation at Waikato University, contributing insights on regional security and foreign policy following the 2024 US Presidential Elections.
Timeline
Voting Place Manager
Electoral Commission
01.2020 - 01.2023
Customer Service Consultant
Earthquake Commission & Madison Recruitment (contract extended multiple times)
05.2016 - 12.2016
Kaiārahi (Host Guide)
Time Unlimited
11.2013 - Current
Business Development & Account Manager
CTM, Accor, The Quadrant Hotel
01.2007 - 01.2013
Destination Manager
Complete Tours
01.2003 - 01.2006
Tour Leader
Imaginative Traveler
01.1999 - 01.2003
Master of Arts - International Relations and Security Studies
Waikato University
Bachelor of Social Sciences - Political Science and Public Policy
Waikato University