In this week’s Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency update, SH25A team member Nicola Ruffle shares some of her story and background.
Nicola Ruffle aka Nikki has lived in Thames since 2018, and is site gatekeeper/security officer.
Tell us a little bit about your work history – how long have you been doing this, what other projects have you worked on?
I am qualified to level 4 in Health and Safety and recently spent a year training as a Worksafe Inspector. Health and Safety is my passion. I am also a qualified drug screener. I have worked in civil roading construction driving class 2 and 4 trucks, and I have about five years security experience. This is my first ever big project and I have been here for four months.
What is special about this one, and have any previous projects given you good insights for this one?
What makes this special are the connections this bridge is going to provide for the people of the Coromandel and beyond. The businesses can rebuild themselves and bring a sense of community back to reality. Watching this project develop has shown me when people of all walks of life band together it builds not just a bridge but an awesome family as well. This is the first big project for me.
Any local links?
My partner soon husband to be, has lived in Thames for over 30 years. His iwi is Ngāti Hako.
Are you living locally during the project and where is home?
I have been living in Thames for the past five years, so Thames is home for me.
What might locals spot you doing outside of work – sports/hobbies/interests?
I enjoy walking. I am an avid collector of gems, crystals and shells. I am just learning to read tarot cards and teaching myself the art of crystal healing. I hope to eventually open my own crystal healing business within our community of alternative healers.
