March 26, 2026 • 3 min read
Bring your whole self to work: Connecting career and culture
It pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.
When Kaitlin Haami joined our team in New Plymouth, New Zealand in 2021, she wasn’t sure exactly where her path would lead. But after a few years working in retail, she was looking for something steadier; a place where she could build a career.
Kaitlin started as a Quality and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Administrator, supporting project teams and helping close-out actions and reports. She quickly became known for her organization, reliability and knack for problem‑solving – qualities that very quickly opened new doors.
Growing through change
Over time, her work in HSE naturally began to overlap with the facilities team. “It was funny – half the time we were trying to figure out whose job was whose,” she laughs. “So, when the facilities role opened up, it made perfect sense for me to step across.”
For a while, she split her time between both roles while helping manage a major office relocation project for the New Zealand head office. “It was huge,” she says. “Months of planning and coordination. But it pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.”
By the end of the project, Kaitlin had built the confidence and experience to move fully into Facilities Management. Today, she’s the Facility Supervisor for the New Zealand region, overseeing five offices ranging from small satellite hubs to large corporate spaces.
“I love the variety,” she says. “No two days are the same. There’s something really rewarding about seeing a space come together and knowing you helped make it work.”
Support that feels like family
When Kaitlin talks about her team, the first word she uses is connection. “We’re really close here in New Plymouth,” she says. “We work hard, but we’re mates too. Morning coffees, quick chats and check‑ins – that’s what keeps us all grounded.”
She also credits her manager as a mentor who’s helped her grow both professionally and personally. “My manager is incredible. She believes in setting goals and stretching yourself, but she also looks after you as a whole person. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
That care extends to flexibility, something Kaitlin says has made all the difference. “Being able to finish early for school pick-ups and log back in later means I can be there for my kids without compromising on my work. It’s game‑changing.”
Learning, culture and looking ahead
Outside her day-to-day role, Kaitlin’s taken every opportunity to keep learning. She’s joined the Facilities Management Association of New Zealand, attended professional training and recently started Let’s Talk Tikanga, a community program that introduces traditional Māori – the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand – values into business.
“As a Māori woman, that’s really special to me,” she says. “It’s about bringing our culture into the workplace in a genuine way. Understanding people, place and connection. It reminds me why I love what I do.”
Kaitlin also contributes to global initiatives through her part-time role as TriRiga Administrator, working with teams across APAC, EMEA and the Americas. “It’s exciting to collaborate on a global scale,” she says. “It’s another way I get to learn and grow.”
Confidence, care and connection
Looking back, Kaitlin says the biggest change she’s noticed is in herself. “When I started, I was nervous walking into big meetings. Now, I can stand in a room and know exactly what needs to happen, and who to call to make it happen.”
For her, that’s what our culture is all about. “It’s supportive, flexible and full of opportunity. You can grow your career, raise your family and be yourself. I feel really lucky to be part of it.”
