Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Joelei Punivalu

Papakura,Auckland

Summary

A reliable and adaptable professional with experience across hospitality, retail, biosecurity, and public-facing roles. Proven ability to deliver excellent customer service, manage inventory and till operations, and support both day-to-day and high-pressure environments. Skilled in public speaking through student ambassador work, with a strong record of engaging diverse audiences and guiding others. Comfortable working in terms of and independently, with strengths in time management, attention to detail, and quick adaptation to new systems and processes.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Student Ambassador

University of Auckland
Auckland
11.2022 - 06.2025
  • Represented the University of Auckland at school visits and community events, including regional evening sessions outside Auckland.
  • Speak on student panels, sharing personal experiences about university life, workload, and academic programmes with prospective students and their families.
  • Lead campus tours for visiting school groups, providing engaging and informative overviews of university life and support services.
  • Answered questions from students and teachers, offering personalised advice and guidance to help them better understand university study options.


Volunteer

St Vincent De Paul Op Shop
Papakura
05.2018 - 06.2025
  • Operated the till and assisted customers with purchases, returns, and delivery enquiries, ensuring a friendly and efficient service experience.
  • Responsible for balancing the till and handling takings at the beginning and end of each shift.
  • Maintain cleanliness and presentation standards across the shop floor.
  • Design and arrange window displays to reflect seasonal or themed promotions (e.g. Easter, Autumn), helping attract foot traffic and enhance the shop's visual appeal.

Café Assistant

Grounded Roots Cafe
Papakura
01.2022 - 01.2025
  • Trained new staff in all areas of cafe operations, including barista skills, food prep, cleaning, and use of the POS system.
  • Opened and closed the cafe, often managing daily operations independently in the absence of managers.
  • Maintained inventory levels by monitoring stock and updating the POS system accordingly.
  • Managed end-of-day procedures, such as balancing cash drawers and cleaning.
  • Managed private functions, including decorating the cafe, and providing table service during events.
  • Handled customer concerns with professionalism, offering prompt and effective solutions.

Biosecurity Support Officer

Auckland Airport
11.2022 - 03.2023
  • Assisted MPI officers in enforcing New Zealand's biosecurity protocols at Auckland Airport through frontline screening of passengers and luggage.
  • Rotated through key inspection points, including search benches, X-Ray screening, passenger queues, and gear checks.
  • Conducted searches and seizures of prohibited food items and plant material to support regulatory compliance.
  • Helped establish and operate sanitation stations during heightened disease risk (e.g. Foot and Mouth Disease precautions), ensuring passengers followed biosecurity procedures.
  • Supported the Bag Tracing Unit (BTU) for one month, locating lost luggage, conducting detailed searches, disposing of restricted items, and updating digital passenger records.
  • Monitored for signs of pests, insects, or biological contamination on incoming goods and equipment.

Education

Postgraduate Diploma - Bioscience Enterprise

University of Auckland

Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences (Biochemistry and Cell Biology Pathway)

University of Auckland
03.2022 - 11.2024

Achieved with Merit Endorsement -

Marist College
02.2015 - 11.2021

Skills

  • Customer service and front-line communication
  • Public speaking and presentations
  • Team collaboration
  • Problem-solving and conflict resolution
  • Inventory management
  • Computer literacy and confidence using POS systems

Languages

Samoan
Intermediate

Accomplishments

First Kumon Completer for the Manurewa branch in Mathematics (2018)

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Student Ambassador

University of Auckland
11.2022 - 06.2025

Biosecurity Support Officer

Auckland Airport
11.2022 - 03.2023

Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences (Biochemistry and Cell Biology Pathway)

University of Auckland
03.2022 - 11.2024

Café Assistant

Grounded Roots Cafe
01.2022 - 01.2025

Volunteer

St Vincent De Paul Op Shop
05.2018 - 06.2025

Achieved with Merit Endorsement -

Marist College
02.2015 - 11.2021

Postgraduate Diploma - Bioscience Enterprise

University of Auckland

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Joelei Punivalu