You could say that Christy’s arrival at Quayside was serendipitous — perfectly timed and full of promise. What began as a short-term contract quickly evolved into a key role supporting governance and executive functions, proving her adaptability and the depth of experience.
Christy’s story is rooted in flexibility and resourcefulness. Her parents, originally from the south of the Netherlands, made the bold decision to immigrate to New Zealand in search of a better life. That spirit runs through Christy, who grew up on a farm where hard work was a way of life — milking cows after school and taking on responsibilities well beyond her years.
Born in Auckland and raised in Te Aroha from the age of 10, Christy attended Te Aroha College before moving through Hamilton and Auckland, eventually settling in Tauranga two decades ago. Along the way, she’s built a rich and varied career, shaped by a strong work ethic and a natural ability to adapt.
After completing a secretarial course at Polytech, Christy landed her first job the old-fashioned way — by knocking on doors in Hamilton. Her early roles included working for a commercial sound systems company and insurance assessors, before taking a six-month trip to the Netherlands with her cousin, reconnecting with her roots.
Christy’s professional journey is as diverse as it is impressive. She’s worked with some of New Zealand’s most well-known brands, including Cerebos Gregg’s, where she managed customer complaints, and Bayleys, where she spent a decade rising from Team Administrator to Executive Assistant to David and Michael Bayley. She managed a team of 20 secretaries during a time when Dictaphones and handwritten contracts were the norm, thriving in a fast-paced, high-energy environment in the heart of Auckland’s CBD.
After relocating to the Bay of Plenty, Christy joined Zespri, initially in Grower Services before moving into HR, where she supported the Supply Chain team across recruitment, learning and development, and payroll. Following the birth of her son Jude, now 15, she returned to the workforce with engineering firm Harrison Grierson, eventually becoming Admin Manager in the Tauranga office. She later brought her project and event skills to local law firm Copeland Ashcroft before being snapped up by Quayside.
At Quayside, Christy has found a place where her chameleon-like ability to adapt and contribute across functions truly shines. She reflects fondly on her first interview, noting how the welcoming culture and authenticity of the team were immediately apparent: “What’s on the box is what’s inside.”
Outside of work, Christy is a devoted mum, a film buff with a love for documentaries and arthouse flicks, and a keen gardener. In the future, she dreams of traveling to Bali, Thailand, and exploring more of New Zealand — drawn by the food, culture, and adventure.
Now a year into her time with Quayside, Christy is a valued team member and a ray of sunshine in the office, showing up, rolling up her sleeves, and making things happen.
