In this series, we are introducing you to some of the awesome people who work for the Skills Active Aotearoa Group, either at Te Mahi Ako or at Skills Active.
Callum is a communications advisor at Skills Active Aotearoa.
Prior to joining the organisation in May 2024, Callum spent the last few years working in a variety of communications roles, ranging from media monitoring services to sales and marketing at a trade publisher.
He’s also a recent graduate of the Whitireia Publishing programme, which he says puts a similar emphasis to Skills Active and Te Mahi Ako on work-based learning. “I know firsthand how much of a difference it makes to get stuck in and work on real projects while you learn.”
Another large part of what drew him to Skills Active is that it’s a 50% Māori-owned organisation. “Coming from two proudly Māori workplaces previously,” he says, “I wanted to be sure I ended up somewhere that’s equally committed to upholding Māori values, and I’m glad to find it here.”
Callum describes himself as a storyteller at heart. “And in the end, that’s what communications and marketing really is: sharing stories, inspiring people, celebrating successes. So, it’s our team’s mission to champion our incredible ākonga and workplaces, and encourage others to take the next step in their careers.”
And it’s worked for him, too. “Being surrounded by all these people who’re mad about active recreation, I decided it was time to join a gym. I grew up cycling everywhere in Napier, but I’m looking forward to being part of a broader exercise community and having a personal trainer help me achieve my fitness goals.”