Krystal (far right) with some of her WM whānau.
Krystal first joined WM New Zealand 12 years ago as a member of the Customer Service team. Since then, she has worked her way through various roles and is now Operations Supervisor for Rotorua. She’s also a busy mum to 7-year-old Aliana and 4-year-old Lycan.
“I’m Operations Supervisor,” Krystal says. “I manage a team of 11 drivers and a dispatcher. Together we deliver excellent service to our customers, mainly commercial, across Taupo and Rotorua.”
When asked what she loves about her current role, Krystal is clear: “It’s definitely the people. Many of us have worked here for a long time and we are like a big whānau.”
Krystal’s journey at WM New Zealand has been diverse. “I started out in Customer Service, aged 22, then I moved into various roles such as Dispatch, Sales Support, Compliance Coordinator in the HSEQ team, and now Operations Supervisor for Rotorua,” she says.
Reflecting on her Compliance Coordinator role, she adds, “I enjoyed making health and safety accessible and turning Toolboxes into sessions everyone enjoyed. I hope I helped shift the culture to one of understanding that health and safety isn’t about blame or box-ticking — it’s about keeping everyone safe so they go home to their whānau.”
Taking on the Operations Supervisor role felt like a natural next step. “I felt like I had learnt and done all I could in the Compliance Coordinator role, and it was time for a new challenge,” Krystal explains.
Krystal highlights the people who helped her along her journey. “I have amazing support from my RM Andrew Whitburn and Wi Maxwell. Wi has been a mentor and a great supporter of my career, helping me grow and develop over time. Also, my awesome whānau — they are my village, helping with the kids and supporting me to grow within WM.”
Krystal hopes people know there’s more to WM New Zealand than meets the eye. “We are much more than just a waste company. And when you join us, there are so many opportunities to grow in your career. You never know where you will end up.”
Outside the office, Krystal enjoys staying active and giving back to her community. “I play football (soccer) for a small community team (Ngongotaha AFC) in the Bay League every Sunday and volunteer as the club treasurer. I also enjoy playing squash and spending time with my whānau.”
Krystal’s story highlights the opportunities and growth available at WM New Zealand, as well as the importance of support, mentorship, and community — both at work and at home.
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Krystal’s 12-year journey at WM New Zealand leads to Operations Supervisor, supported by mentors, whānau, and a love for people.
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