A Tauranga local through and through, Rachael Rutherford brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that makes her a valuable asset to our kaimahi. Whether it’s her diverse background in education, legal work, or small business management, Rachael’s journey is a testament to her adaptability.
Born in Levin but raised in Tauranga, Rachael has deep roots in the local community. Her immediate and extended family also call Tauranga home, and she shares her life with her husband, Bruce, who works for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Together, they are raising two teenage daughters, Catherine and Sophie, who are both in education — Catherine at Polytech studying Vet Nursing and Sophie in high school. Rachael’s close-knit family, which also includes a Miniature Schnauzer and two cats, is central to her life, and she cherishes time spent with them.
Over the years, Rachael has taken on a range of roles, each adding a new layer to her expertise. She and her husband, Bruce, ran a successful marine electrical business for 13 years, giving her hands-on experience in business operations. Additionally, Rachael is a qualified legal executive and has worked on property transactions for a local firm, further developing her skills in legal and financial matters. More recently, she worked in the education sector for eight years at a local school, which allowed her to juggle work life alongside family life in a way that suited her personal values.
A desire for change led her to Quayside, where she’s excited to embark on fresh projects and responsibilities.
Rachael is, at heart, a self-proclaimed homebody. She loves spending time with her family and values the simple pleasures of home life. This focus on family led her to take on the part-time Finance Administrator role at Quayside Holdings, giving her the flexibility to also assist her mother with managing her property portfolio, tenants, and accounting, whilst still being available for her children.
While Rachael finds comfort at home, she is also an avid traveller. A recent trip to Europe with nine of her family members was a highlight, and she has fond memories of past travels, including visits to Japan. Rachael loves exploring new places, soaking in history, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. For her, travel is not just about seeing the world; it’s about creating shared experiences with loved ones that will last a lifetime.
Quietly spoken and modest, it’s clear this local lass is hard-working yet has a gentle approach to life. We welcome her to the team and look forward to learning more about Rachael as the months roll on.
