Thousands of jobs at aviation fair

• Author: Grant Bradley
• Published date: 21 July 2022
• Publication title: Northern Advocate, The (Whangarei, New Zealand)

She started at Air New Zealand on the frontline as a flight attendant and worked in a number of senior management and executive roles throughout the airline before starting at the airport company’s top job early this year

Jobs on offer are across airlines, terminal, border and airline operations, retail and hospitality, security, and baggage handling at about 30 organisations represented at a Job Fair, a one-day event on Saturday, July 30.

The surprisingly quick rebound in demand for travel has left parts of the aviation system acutely short of staff although for now New Zealand is avoiding the scenes of “airmageddon” at some overseas airports and among airlines where staff shortages have led to chaos.

Hurihanganui has advice for those seeking a job in aviation. Number one; no two days are the same.

Having experienced first-hand the fallout from the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the global financial crisis of 2008 and even worse, the pandemic, she says it can make for a bumpy ride.

“It’s a great industry and the phrase ‘never a dull day’ is used a lot. While it’s got its challenges there are tremendous highlights as well.”

Those in frontline, customer-facing roles need to enjoy working with people.

In security sensitive roles with airside access, Civil Aviation Authority clearance would be required and applicants will need a clean police record and be prepared to undergo general medical and drug tests.

The airport company is looking to hire 70 staff itself, among them infrastructure design specialists, plumbers and mechanical technicians who would need to have the relevant qualifications. Last year it had 433 staff, down about a third on pre-COVID levels.

Hurihanganui said the pay depended on the role but at a minimum the airport company paid the living wage.

Other companies looking for staff and participating in the job fair include: Air New Zealand, Swissport, Travelex, Novotel Auckland Airport, Delaware North, LSG Sky Chefs, Lagardère, Immigration...