Taming The Ferrets

Roni Albert is CEO of the Waikato Women's Refuge, and has been part of the organization's 40-year journey supporting women, children, and families affected by family violence. Starting as the first Māori Women's Refuge under the national network in 1986, the organization has grown from a small safe house into a comprehensive support service with multiple safe houses, transitional housing, and programs for women, children, and men. Roni explains that while growth is often viewed as success, for Women's Refuge it reflects the increasing demand for support services and the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable families in the community, which is in fact.. The opposite to success.Having been involved since the organization's beginnings, Roni emphasizes the importance of community partnerships, compassionate leadership, and a holistic approach to breaking cycles of violence. Waikato Women's Refuge supports between 4,000 and 5,000 people annually and has assisted an estimated 180,000 individuals over four decades. Find out how and why she keeps going in this episode.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ray has multiple ferrets to tame. In this solo podcast Tony and Ray jump into the Private Tertiary Education sector, Activate Education Group, Ministry of education and how resources for the training sector are being develop and tested. Ray is CEO of AEG and its multiple subsidiaries ranging form health and safety, to ICT and software development providing 75% of education resources to New Zealands PTE sector.  A huge proponent of community welfare and support as well as his love for his adopted city, Ray stands by the philosophy of Long term consistency will always beat short term intensity.   Tune in to see how he manages all the staff and students across the country…. But be warned…  you may actually learn something!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amardeep Singh shares a journey rooted in community, finance, and long-term impact, bringing together his experience in accounting, banking, and property development as Group Financial Controller at Pragma Property Group.Having grown up in Waikato with strong ties to rural life and family values, his career path evolved from Deloitte and over a decade in banking into helping shape Pragma’s growth strategy. More than overseeing numbers and financial performance, Amardeep focuses on aligning people, systems, and opportunities to create sustainable outcomes across housing, business, and community development.Throughout the conversation, Amardeep highlights a human-centered approach to property and economic growth, emphasizing that housing is more than buildings—it creates stability, opportunity, and stronger communities. He discusses Pragma’s long-standing history, from its origins as a family clothing business in Fiji to becoming a major contributor to Hamilton’s development through housing, industrial projects, and accommodation initiatives.His vision extends beyond construction and profit, focusing on financial literacy, local employment, supporting suppliers, and addressing social challenges such as housing accessibility and homelessness. At the heart of his philosophy is a belief that meaningful progress happens through collaboration, long-term thinking, and investing in people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lets start with the basics…..Annika Hinze is a Professor in Computer Science at the University of Waikato, and Head of the School for Computing and Mathematical Sciences.  So yes, we felt well underqualified for this conversation!  Annika originally studied Technical Mathematics, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at the Technical Universität Berlin, Germany and received her PhD in Computer Science from the Freie Universität Berlin, Germany., She joined the University of Waikato in 2003.   We dive a bit more into the world of University structures, human centred AI and technology, the future of students, learning and preparing for the workforce. Of course we also get into the move from Berlin to Hamilton and what spurs her on to stay and a little bit of future gazing.  A great episode for those wondering who is behind the students or wondering if University is the way of the future or not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having come from a highly successful career in leading Management, Sales and Marketing roles across companies, including Hill Laboratories, Bowel Cancer NZ and Fonterra, Megan is now enjoying the autonomy and independence of working in the residential property market. Megan drives on 3 points:Count on her to get it doneMaking like easierWill see it throughWe discuss the transition from corporate world to Real Estate, what the jump looked like, how her family drove and supported her decision (or not) and what philanthropy looks like for Megan.Listen to this to understand the transition from employment to self employed, community support, the highs and lows that tenacity and resilience can bring, and how to work with a family and 2 dogs!  Megan tames many ferrets and is a great to hear how she does it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.