Sancta Maria College Careers Event

Sancta Maria College will be hosting an event on the 27th of July, where ex-students of the College will return & talk about the job options they pursued when they left school. These speakers will be doing talks in 3-20 minute sessions from 6:40 pm - 7:50 pm. In this page, you can learn more about the speakers, their careers, and where they will be speaking.

Gabrielle Murti - Medicine: AM1-AM2

Kia ora, I'm Gabrielle and I completed my Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) at the University of Auckland. I am now working as a second year junior doctor within the Auckland region. 

Medicine is an extremely challenging but equally rewarding job with endless career opportunities and better work stories! From scrubbing in for surgeries, attending trauma cases in the emergency department and busy nights on call, there's never a dull day at work. 

It's a privilege to return to Sancta Maria and share my career journey so far. I hope I can give you a better idea of what it's like to work in the medical field (and share some things I wish I had known when I was in your shoes!).

Shontelle Matano - TV Producer: AM4

I studied a Bachelor of Communication Studies majoring in Journalism at AUT. I’m now working for TVNZ as an Assignments Producer. It’s a job that I am very passionate about. From being able to meet people from all walks of life, to working behind the scenes of 1 News at 6pm and sharing some inspiring stories. I’m so excited to share more with you and hope to see many more young people in the industry soon. 

Auinaatu (Ace) Brown & Doug Glynan - Construction: AM6

Ace: I left high school in 2016 and felt like I needed to go to university. I quickly learnt that this wasn't for me and began my search for other careers. I found bcito and decided to give building a go. 3 years into my apprenticeship and I am enjoying all the challenges thrown my way. A career that is challenging, rewarding and allows me to spend my weekends fishing and golfing.

Morita Togiafofoa - Defence Force: AU1

My name is Morita Togiafofoa and I am Samoan descent, born and raised in South Auckland, Mangere. During My college years I attended Onehunga High School and went overseas to Australia to finish school. I joined the NZ ARMY in 2010 as a Logistics Specialist by trade and my current role is a Sergeant  NZDF recruiter. I have deployed to various countries around the world and have conducted numerous exciting training that I would never have thought I would ever do.

Manvis Wong - Pharmacist: AU2

I graduated SMC in 2018 and have recently finished study a four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) degree at the University of Auckland. I am currently working as an Intern Pharmacist at Auckland City Hospital as part of my final year of on-the-job training and I also have experience working in community pharmacies as well. As the pharmacy profession continues to evolve, pharmacists are taking on new roles and responsibilities that allow us to use our clinical knowledge in new and exciting ways. My favourite part of the job is interacting with patients and taking the time to help them understand their medicines so that they feel empowered to look after their own health!

Nigel D’Mello -
Police Constable: AU4

I left SMC in 2015 and currently work as a front-line Constable in Auckland.  Getting into the Police takes some effort, but it's worth it. You’ll need to be fit to pass the physical tests, and savvy to complete a range of psychometric tests and assessments. You'll also need to show that you have the right attitude and personal qualities. 

At the start, the selection process can fit around your other commitments, so you don't need to wait until you've finished school or left your job to apply.  The recruitment team will work through options with you to give you the best opportunity to fulfil the requirements of your career.

Kathryn Steel - Paramedic: AU6

NOT AVAILABLE FOR 6:40PM SESSION

Hi – I am Kathryn – a Critical Care Paramedic working in Auckland.

I left school and completed a nursing degree while working as a volunteer with Hato Hone St John. After working in the Emergency and Intensive Care departments at Middlemore hospital and as a flight nurse I went on to move into a full-time clinical support role with HHStJ and completed post graduate study and assessments to get to the Critical Care Paramedic level.

I now manage a team of paramedics who are responsible for tasking all of the Air Ambulance/Rescue helicopters in Aotearoa, NZ and keep up my clinical skills working on a Rapid Response vehicle attending high acuity ambulance incidents.

Vincent Brzozowski - Priest: BU1

6:40PM SESSION ONLY

I finished my last year at SMC in 2016, then completed a BMus Hons degree in classical performance at the NZ school of music, Victoria University of Wellington. 


Now, I am in my second year of seminary training for priesthood and religious life with the Marists. I enjoy the academic studies and formation which strengthen my knowledge of theology and philosophy, and deepen my understanding of vocation.

Abby Noble-Campbell and Maddie James - Secondary & Primary Teacher: BU2

Abby:

I finished at Sancta Maria College in 2018 to study at AUT in the beginning of 2019. I completed a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation majoring in Physical Education and then in 2022 I completed my post-Graduate diploma in Secondary Teaching.

I am now working at Macleans College teaching Health and PE. Having the opportunity to positively impact young people’s lives is the biggest driving force behind my career choice and I am loving every second of it.


Maddie:


Kia ora, my name is Maddie and I am a past Sancta Maria College student who graduated in 2012. I am now a primary school teacher with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of Auckland. I have taught for 8 years now, with 5 and a half years being a teacher at Sancta Maria Catholic Primary School and I am now teaching at Willowbank School. I have taught children from New Entrants up until Year 3, so have strong knowledge and experience with the 'Junior School' ages. 

My passion is teaching and growing our youngest learners (I currently teach New Entrant and Year 1 tamariki) and I strive to create a positive, nurturing and magical classroom environment for the beginning of their educational journey.

DJ Olivier - Flight Attendant: BU3

DJ is an inflight service manager and Operation Manager at Air New Zealand. He has been working long and short-haul routes across the network. He also manages a team running the medical operations for the airline 

Matthew Rooza - Accounting & Finance: BU4

Finishing SMC in 2011, I completed a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Finance, at the University of Auckland. Beginning my career as an accountant at KPMG, I am now an investment banking associate at Northington Partners, a boutique investment banking firm helping clients with their capital raising and M&A requirements.

Shanay Thambiran-Curham - Psychology: BG4

I graduated high school in 2010. I always knew I wanted to help people, but I wasn’t sure exactly where. So, I ventured into becoming a Radio DJ and entertained the NZ public for 4 years. I then became curious about mental health due to my own personal journey. 

I decided to turn my curiosity into a career and ventured out to complete a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology, I also completed a certificate in Social science to better help my understanding of mental health. I am now working as a Therapist contracting to families with young people who are experiencing difficulty in some parts of life. 

I enjoy all aspects of my career including interacting with people, consistent challenges, and varied ways of thinking when certain issues are presented to me. 

Psychology is the most rewarding career in my opinion however there are sacrifices that are necessary.

Alex Smith -
Digital Experience Analyst (ASB): CU1

I left Sancta Maria in 2013 and studied at Massey University before I left for an entry level job in banking. I have held a number of roles within the banking industry and am currently a Digital Experience Analyst within our Technology Division. My job allows me to work with a range of diverse people and skill sets, and I enjoy working to analyse problems and create solutions to enhance the customer experience. 

Jordan Sim-Smith - Software Engineer: CU2

I graduated high school in 2016 and studied a Bachelor of Engineering - Software Engineering at the University of Auckland. I'm currently working remotely as a Software Engineer for Canva. I love the creativity, flexibility and endless learning opportunities that come with working in tech. 

Chris Lautua - Electrician: CU3

Fakalofalahi Atu, I have been part of the electrical industry since 2014 in all sorts of roles and places where I have been in a roof repairing lights to sitting in a boardroom with decision makers. 

Through my career journey I have worked in Television, Advertising Sales, Account Managing, Recruitment Advisor, Relationship Manager and as an Electrician. All careers that I have picked up different sets of skills that have helped shaped who I am. I have learnt off many giants that have shared wisdom and in turn have passed on lessons.

Marion Anderson-Ulu, Akesa Tagi & Lisa Samusamuvodre - Law: Staff Room

Marion:

Marion Anderson-Ulu LLB, BA is of Sāmoan and Scottish descent. She is a barrister in Papatoetoe, South Auckland. She has specialised in family court work since 2003 that includes court-appointed lawyer for child and counsel to assist work. Most of her work relates to children, family violence and care and/or protection matters (Oranga Tamariki). Prior to family court work, Marion worked in Samoa in 2001 to 2003 for the National Bank of Samoa doing debt recovery litigation. Marion is a member of the Family Law Section, South Auckland Bar and Pacific Lawyers Associations. She also sits as a lawyer member on the Auckland Standards Committee (Lawyers Complaints Service) under the New Zealand Law Society. 

Lisa:

I am Māori and Fijian. I am a senior family law barrister based in South Auckland. I have worked in this community since 2005. Prior to, I worked in West Auckland and Lautoka, Fiji. I am dedicated to serving my community, working with those that come before the Court but also, with whānau who seek to navigate their way through legal process’. I have been an active agent for change in my role as advocate by serving on various Boards in Auckland, more recently within the local Fiji community and church collectives. I am a member of both the Pacific Lawyers Association and Te Hunga Roia Māori and continue to mentor both law students and young lawyers seeking to ensure greater diversity and representation within the profession. I am married to Ilisoni Matanitobua. When it’s time to relax, I love singing and playing the guitar/ukulele with my family, thrashing friends/family at board games, spending far too long at book shops, and dreaming of travel to Fiji.

Akesa:

Jane Kubala - Civil Engineer:
Library Quiet Room

I left SMC in 2016 and studied at the University of Auckland completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) specialising in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Commerce. I am now working for Watercare on a large infrastructure project. I enjoy the exciting and dynamic environment of construction projects and building relationships with people across the construction site.