Nicole started her life on a dairy farm in the wilderness of the Manukau Peninsula riding horses on the black sands of the West Coast; the start of her lifelong affinity with the coast and grounding her to her love for the Bay of Plenty.

Nicole spends her spare time actively – running along the Pāpāmoa Hills, mountain biking, horse-riding and hanging at the beach with friends and family.  She loves being around like-minded peeps who are active, love exploring, drinking and eating good food.

Nicole started out undertaking a degree in science at the University of Waikato, but after falling asleep during chemistry lectures, decided perhaps that wasn’t the right career for her – choosing to complete a BMS in Accounting, guided by the thought of a guaranteed job at the end of it.  Nicole loved the accountancy and the commercial aspect of business, hoping to one day own her own business.

After starting working life in Hamilton with Staples Rodway and Mainland, obtaining her Chartered Accountancy qualification in 2002, Nicole hit the UK for a stint – gaining much valued commercial experience with BP and Barclays, amongst others, landing back in Auckland for a management role with Staples Rodway.

Nicole took a role as Management Accountant at the Whakatāne District Council working alongside the leadership team on strategic finance, as well as annual and long-term plans.  For the last 10 years, Nicole has been working as a Chartered Accountant for a variety of firms, bringing with her to Quayside an extensive knowledge of different industries and an interest in business development.

Nicole didn’t just want just any ‘job’ but a connection with good people, a good culture and a sound purpose aligned to her own values.  Just like us…  fit is as vitally important to Quayside as skills and experience.

In a short space of time here, she may take the mantle of ‘resident Quayside klutz’ as well – not quite leaving a wake of disaster behind her, but it’s only a matter of time!