Celebrating Excellence: Driver and Operator Appreciation Week

From Kerikeri to Invercargill, sites are abuzz with plans to honour their dedicated teams. Each location has unique activities lined up to show appreciation and emphasize the significance of every team member. "Our drivers and operators are the backbone of our operations," says Sarah Whiteman, Regional Manager at WM New Zealand. "Their hard work and dedication ensure that we deliver essential services efficiently and sustainably."

Branches are planning a variety of activities to mark the occasion. From team lunches and recognition ceremonies to skill-building workshops and family days, the focus is on celebrating achievements and fostering a sense of camaraderie among team members.

"It's important for us to recognise the efforts of our drivers and operators," adds Tracy Reuben, Branch Manager at Wellington Municipal. "They are the face of WM New Zealand in our communities, and their professionalism is exemplary."

Throughout the week, we encourage staff and customers alike to share their stories and photos of appreciation. "We can't wait to hear the amazing stories from our team members," says Paul Elliot, Operations Supervisor. "It's inspiring to see how each person contributes uniquely to our collective success."

To kick off the celebration, we’re spotlighting several outstanding team members whose dedication and achievements epitomise Driver and Operator Appreciation Week.

Rose, one of our outstanding female drivers, embodies pride as a woman truck driver and finds immense joy in encountering fellow female drivers—a truly empowering experience. 

Her passion for truck driving began at the age of 8, inspired by posters of a Mack and a Kenworth that adorned her bedroom walls. "I want to drive both of those someday," she would declare daily.

Starting as a Class 2 driver with minimal experience behind the wheel, Rose has become proficient in the heavy fleet industry. She confidently maneuvers Recycling Trucks, Skip Trucks, and Class 4 front-load vehicles, currently mastering the intricacies of Hiabs. 

Setting ambitious goals upon joining WM nearly two years ago, Rose has already achieved three out of four milestones: acquiring a Ute, enjoying a memorable holiday in Rarotonga—her first overseas trip, and nearing completion of her Class 4 Licence.

Her next target is securing her Class 5 license. With plans to obtain her dangerous goods license next week and undergo Hiab training in August, she eagerly anticipates the challenges ahead, knowing there's always a new goal to pursue.

AJ, a dedicated member of the WM New Zealand team since 2019, celebrates nearing his 5-year milestone as a significant achievement in his career journey.

Starting as a sorter at the MRF in Timaru, AJ seized opportunities to advance within the business. He transitioned to operating as a loader driver at transfer stations in Queenstown and Wanaka before transitioning to truck driving in Wanaka. Now, he excels in his role dispatching for the Queenstown municipal team.

AJ embraced challenges, expanding his knowledge of diverse systems and operations. He values the supportive team environment and WM New Zealand's commitment to fostering growth and development. Passionate about sustainability and environmental responsibility, AJ finds purpose in contributing positively to the community and environment through his work. 

At the Napier Recycling branch, Logan Thompson stands out as a dedicated machine operator and super mum. Starting as a recycling sort line operator, Logan's journey at WM New Zealand has been marked by continuous learning and growth. 

"I'm proud to be part of the WM whānau," Logan says, reflecting on the camaraderie and teamwork that define her experience. As a role model for female operators, Logan encourages her colleagues to pursue their goals and excel in their roles. Her story highlights WM's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

At Kate Valley, Chris Roberts has carved a niche as a landfill operator renowned for his initiative and versatility. Starting as an operator, he used his initiative and skills to learn and progress. When opportunities came up, he grabbed it with both hands and started training to use other machines and expand on his skills. These machines included excavators, compactors, bulldozers, and mule trucks, and he did supervisor training. 

Three and a half years later he is now an expert in charge of the machinery at the landfill cell. Chris says no day is the same and he values this in his role at Kate Valley. Chris is a cup-half-full kind of guy and enjoys the company of his teammates and the great work atmosphere.Chris loves the outdoors, is an avid hunter and spends weekends taking his children fishing.