At WISE, every team member plays a vital role in making Taranaki homes healthier, warmer, and safer. To celebrate the people behind our mission, we’re launching a new series: “What Working at WISE Means to Me.”
This time, we’re spotlighting Eliala, who promotes and manages our home insulation grant, guiding homeowners through the process to make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable. She also coordinates WISE’s annual community drives — from pyjamas to toys and blankets — helping provide meaningful support to families across the region.
We asked Eliala a few questions about her work, what inspires her, and what being part of WISE means to her.
1- How long have you been working at WISE?
I have been working at WISE since May 2023, so not far off 3 years.
2- Can you tell us a little about what you do at WISE and what a typical day looks like for you?
My role at WISE is the Sales and Social Media Administrator however my role is a bit more complex than the title. A typical day for me looks like promoting our home insulation grant whether that be through social media or pamphlet dropping, scheduling insulation assessments, following up with clients for feedback. However, there are specific times of the year where I am a busy bee with our annual initiatives. I run our pyjama, toy, stationary and blanket drive; I love this part of my job as I feel like I can really give back to our community.
3- What do you enjoy most about helping homeowners through the insulation grant process?
So many homeowners are unaware of insulation grants and being that person that’s able to help those who cannot afford it really matters to me. I believe that it should be a right to have up to standard insulation in your home as it makes such an impact on day-to-day life, especially during winter. I enjoy the conversations I get to have with clients/homeowners while also building that client-provider relationship.
4- Coordinating our community initiatives is a big part of your role. Which project or initiative has been your favourite so far, and why?
My favourite initiative would have to be our winter pyjama drive. This initiative means a lot to me as I know I am helping children stay warm over the winter months. I understand the struggles some families may have, especially in this economy and I know that something as little as a good, warm pair of pyjamas for their children really makes a difference. It’s also such an awesome thing to see how happy a child is when receiving a pair of new pyjamas!
5- How does it feel to see the impact of your work on the families and community you support?
It makes everything worth it. Personally, I aim to be able to go above and beyond for those who need it, not necessarily for the sake of making myself feel good, but for the fact that its helping people gain necessary, needed, important things for their lives.
6- If someone asked you what makes WISE different from other workplaces, what would you say?
I would say WISE and especially the staff we have, are heavily influenced on trying to make a difference in our communities’ lives. We are more focused on creating warmer and healthier homes for families rather than gaining anything for ourselves. Each staff member is dedicated to the cause and that’s what sets us apart from others. We also get a pathways career programme, where each staff member can gain experience, knowledge or even certifications on improving themselves professionally and personally.
7- Finally, what does “working at WISE” mean to you personally?
Working at WISE means a lot of different things to me. It has helped me create a sense of identity and shown me the path I want to go down in regard to the importance of being there and helping others. It has also shown me how important community is and how being a part of something like this can benefit not only yourself, but everyone around you.
