What most attracted you to the flexible work model that Juno offers?
Immediately prior to joining Juno, I had taken some time away from legal work to focus on our family. My husband describes me a “serial volunteer” and over that time I had become increasingly involved in our community, which had become a very important part of my life. I was looking for a model that would allow me to re-enter the legal profession in a supported and balanced way so that I didn’t have to compromise on my volunteer habit and supporting our family. Juno has provided that model and I am grateful for it.
Can you tell us about your favourite part of your job?
I am slightly unusual in the Juno Legal team of lawyers in that until recently I have supported the legal team of just one organisation, Kāinga Ora-Homes and Communities. Prior to that, my experience had been entirely in the private sector and I had never considered a role in a government organisation. However I very much enjoy my work at Kāinga Ora - I admire what the organisation is doing, the values that it employs and the people that I get to work alongside.
Can you tell us a bit more about your recent Juno engagement as the independent secretariat of the Independent Selection Panel at Fonterra?
The Independent Selection Panel’s role is to assess farmer shareholders who nominate themselves for director positions at Fonterra, and recommend a number of candidates to stand for election at the Fonterra AGM. The Panel is appointed by Fonterra and the Shareholder Council, but acts entirely independently of Fonterra. My role is to provide secretariat support to the Independent Selection Panel, also independently of Fonterra. The Panel process runs to a strict timeline and I am able to fulfil my role in addition to supporting Kāinga Ora. It is a very interesting engagement involving a fairly unique process in the New Zealand environment.
What do you feel contributes to a great Juno client engagement for you and for the client?
For me, I think the most significant contributors are a positive “can-do” attitude and a willingness and work ethic to get to know the organisation and its people so that you are considered a trusted legal advisor within the team.