Sandra-Leigh Turetahi-Howard
Opotiki,BOP
Summary
Reliable and highly adaptable worker with a background spanning maritime, agricultural, and community sectors. Proven ability to excel in physically demanding, fast-paced environments, from deep-sea fishing vessels to commercial orchards. Possesses a strong commitment to workplace safety, team coordination, and operational efficiency. A fast learner who transitions seamlessly between independent contractor tasks and collaborative community roles, dedicated to delivering consistent, high-quality work.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kaiawhina
Te Kōhanga Reo o Nukutere
Opotiki
06.2025 - 04.2026
- I Played a key role in supporting the care, learning, and development of tamariki within a nurturing, culturally rich Kōhanga Reo environment. Worked closely with kaiako to deliver engaging learning experiences that encouraged confidence, creativity, and social development while upholding the values of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. Demonstrated strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills through building positive relationships with tamariki, whānau, and staff.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Supported tamariki in their daily learning, emotional wellbeing, and personal development
- Assisted with planning and delivering engaging educational and cultural activities
- Maintained a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment at all times
- Encouraged the use of te reo Māori and promoted tikanga Māori within daily routines and interactions
- Built strong and respectful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues
- Assisted with supervision, meal preparation, cleaning, and organisation of learning spaces
- Adapted quickly in a fast-paced environment while remaining calm, caring, and professional
- Contributed to a strong team culture through reliability, initiative, and a hands-on approach to supporting others
Independent Contractor – Deep Sea Fishing Factory
Sanford
Timaru
04.2024 - 08.2024
- I Worked in a demanding deep-sea fishing environment carrying out a range of factory and vessel operations with a strong focus on efficiency, safety, and teamwork. Demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure in physically intensive conditions while maintaining high production and quality standards during extended periods at sea. Trusted with multiple responsibilities across processing, freezing operations, packing, and overnight vessel security while docked.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Operated within onboard factory processing teams to prepare and package seafood efficiently and accurately
- Worked as the Freezer Man, managing freezing operations, monitoring product quality, and maintaining correct storage procedures
- Performed Vertical Packing duties, ensuring products were packed, labelled, and stacked to company and export standards
- Maintained strict hygiene, food safety, and health and safety procedures in high-risk work environments
- Conducted overnight boat watch duties while docked, monitoring vessel security, equipment, and onboard safety from evening through to morning shifts
- Assisted crew members across multiple areas of vessel operations when required
- Worked long hours in challenging weather and sea conditions while maintaining reliability and professionalism
- Demonstrated strong teamwork, adaptability, time management, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced industry environment
Kaiawhina
Te Kura o Omarumutu
Opotiki
02.2021 - 11.2021
- Provided dedicated support to new entrant tauira transitioning into a Kura Māori environment, helping create a positive, culturally grounded, and engaging start to their learning journey. Worked closely with kaiako to support classroom learning, emotional wellbeing, and social development while fostering confidence and independence in young learners. Built strong relationships with tauira and whānau through patience, encouragement, and consistent support.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Supported new entrant tauira with classroom learning, daily routines, and settling into the kura environment
- Assisted kaiako with delivering engaging learning activities and educational support
- Encouraged positive behaviour, confidence, and participation within the classroom
- Promoted te reo Māori and tikanga Māori through daily interactions and learning experiences
- Provided one-on-one and group support to help tauira develop literacy, communication, and social skills
- Maintained a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students
- Built respectful and positive relationships with tauira, whānau, and staff
- Demonstrated patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills while supporting diverse learning needs
Education
New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills -
Westport Deep Sea Fishing School
Westport, NZHigh School Diploma -
Glenmore Park Highschool
Glenmore Park, Sydney, NSWSkills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Flexible and adaptable
- Dependable and responsible
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Computer skills
- Calm under pressure
- Active listening
- Verbal communication
Certification
- Seafood processing Certification
- First Aid Certification
Timeline
Kaiawhina
Te Kōhanga Reo o Nukutere
06.2025 - 04.2026
Independent Contractor – Deep Sea Fishing Factory
Sanford
04.2024 - 08.2024
Kaiawhina
Te Kura o Omarumutu
02.2021 - 11.2021
New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills -
Westport Deep Sea Fishing School
High School Diploma -
Glenmore Park Highschool