Ashlee relishes her front-of-house role

AS an apprentice hairdresser Ashlee Riri had to have great skills in communication and that's what she brings to her role as receptionist at Turanga Health.

“When I was at school I first wanted to be an architect, then a hairdresser, and that's what I did and got seven years' experience in that role,” says Ashlee (Rongowhakaata, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou).

“But when the job came up at Turanga Health in 2019 it looked like a chance to do something completely different, while still using some of the skills I already had.”

Ashlee's primary role is to keep everything running smoothly “front-of-house”. As well as looking after the work site she'll be answering and directing calls, greeting and signing in visitors, and generally making sure everyone gets to where they need to go.

“It can be pretty busy but it's fun and when you are dealing with whānau, you have to present a positive face for the organisation.”

And having had her own experience of trying – and failing -- to get the caring health support she needed, she truly values her current workplace.

“All our staff genuinely care about the people they are working with and that really shows,” she says.

“Turanga Health is very whānau oriented . . . they care about your wellbeing both in and out of work. It is definitely the best place I have ever been lucky to work for.”
 

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