Member Spotlight #2: Kirsty Knowles
We have an excellent base of dedicated members who have really cool jobs! To help promote our membership base and give you a little insight into some of the cool people we work with, we've developed this quick-fire question series. Every month we will introduce you to members from the different industries within the recreation sector. This month we talked with Kirsty Knowles from Community Leisure Management and our 2019 Paul Stuart Memorial Award recipient...
Your role... General Manager of Operations/Director at Community Leisure Management
What you love most about the sector... Definitely our people! Also that we provide so many opportunities for our communities to be active and learn new skills, whether it be in the water, in our parks or in stadiums. I love that out facilities and our work bring people together and contribute to the health and well being of our communities.
Why you joined Recreation Aotearoa... To be involved in the great advocacy work they do for our sector and be part of providing safe swimming opportunities for our children and families.
Favourite part about being a member... Being able to network with the really cool people in our industry, and of course the awesome people that work at Recreation Aotearoa!
One thing you've learned in the last month... The need to stay calm! Two things - there has been a lot of panic around this Coronavirus from our customers and staff. But good planning, procedures and correct information along with keeping a cool head goes a long way! Also my son broke his arm very badly on Friday night and was so calm throughout the entire ordeal. He only cried when they put the lure in his hand and then again when he realised he wouldn't be able to play with his friends in the playground at school! Kids are so resilient and take things all in their stride and I think as adults we can absolutely learn from that, I know I am trying to!
Your hopes for our industry...That we can keep providing good career pathways for our teams, that we can use technology to our advantage and to continue to work on environmental sustainability.