What got you involved with cricket and how much did playing in Napier Boys High School teams influence your love of the game.
 
Playing for Napier Boys was an awesome and memorable time for me. While there wasn't necessarily a strong cricket or coaching system in place, I believe one of the main reasons for our success was the connection we had as a team. Most of us had been close mates for around 10 years, and that trust, friendship, and understanding of one another really showed when we played together. The team environment and relationships we built were a huge part of what made that period so enjoyable and successful.  
 
What drew you to you to studying turf management at the Otago Polytech campus in Cromwell.
 
My first thoughts about getting into the turf management industry definitely came through playing cricket. During school, I didn’t particularly enjoy the idea of continuing with traditional study, so I started thinking about doing something that I knew I would genuinely enjoy. The idea of working on golf courses or preparing first-class cricket grounds really appealed to me at the time, especially with my background and passion for cricket.
 
The main reasoning behind heading down south to study was partly to get out of home and experience living independently. The course was also a much shorter commitment compared to completing an apprenticeship, which was another factor in my decision. And, of course, living close to Queenstown certainly didn't sound too bad either!
 
Tell us about your experiences on the Otago Polytech course and some of the of the iconic Otago golf course you got to work on as part of the course.
 
I speak very highly of my experience studying at Otago Polytechnic. One of the most important things I found throughout the course was how approachable and personally connected our tutors and support staff were with us. When completing classwork, I always felt comfortable learning new things and asking questions, especially when there were areas I didn’t fully understand. Having that supportive environment made a big difference to my learning experience.
 
Overall, it was a very enjoyable time for me. Not only did I gain valuable knowledge about the industry, but I also made great mates and developed new connections that I will continue to value throughout my career.
 
During the course, I was lucky enough to gain practical experience at Cromwell Golf Club and Molyneux Park in Alexandra. These opportunities were awesome and helped me develop a greater understanding of real-life situations and the day-to-day work involved in the industry. We were also fortunate enough to do some work at the New Zealand Golf Open at Millbrook Resort, which was probably one my favourite experiences of the course.
 
This was my first real taste of the access and opportunities that greenkeepers and groundsmen can get through working in the industry. Being involved in such a high-profile event showed me the unique experiences and privileges that can come with a career in turf management, and further strengthened my interest in the industry.
 
Give us an overview of your Otago Polytech course and how it led to the Bay Oval.
 
To summarise my time at Otago Polytechnic, it was an amazing experience and far better than I could have imagined when I first signed up for the course. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in sport, enjoys being hands-on, and is keen to meet new people and make connections within the industry.
 
The opportunity to work at Bay Oval over the summer came about when they approached our tutor looking for a summer worker as a six-month placement is a part of our course. I was keen on the opportunity straight away, as I saw it as a great chance to learn, gain experience at a high-level cricket venue, and work alongside some knowledgeable people. It was a pretty exciting opportunity for me and one that I was eager to get involved in.
 
As someone that loves cricket what's it like working on the flip-side of the game and preparing grounds instead of playing on them?
 
It is definitely like looking at the game through a different lens. As a player, you are obviously more focused on the game itself, your own performance, and how your team can improve.
 
Whereas now, being involved in preparing the venue, I have realised just how much work goes on behind the scenes and how detailed the entire process can be.
 
One of the things I have really enjoyed is that no two situations are exactly the same. There are always different challenges, conditions, and factors to consider, which has made the learning process really interesting.
 
I was also never particularly interested in science during school, but since entering the turf industry, I have found it much easier to learn and understand. I think that is because I can now see the practical application of what I am learning. There is a clear connection between the work and science involved in preparing a venue and the end result of being able to watch a game of cricket played on it, which makes the learning much more rewarding for me.
 
Does knowing wickets from a green keeper’s perspective give you an edge when playing on the pitches?
 
When playing, I can definitely be quite easily distracted from the game itself to how the wicket is playing and why that might be. but mostly still playing the game is the same as when I wasn't working in the industry.
 
Tell us about your role at the Bay Oval and how and where you fit into the hierarchy?
 
My role is mainly to help maintain the ground wherever I am needed. This can involve working on the main block, outfield, club blocks, or the Oval, as well as helping to maintain the terraces and gardens so they are looking their best for events. I also help out around the pavilions when required.
 
As I am still relatively new to the team here who have known each other for a while, I am definitely at the bottom of the hierarchy, it gives me the opportunity to learn from the more experienced members of the team, get involved in a wide range of jobs, and build my knowledge and skills across all areas of ground maintenance.
 
What was your steepest learning curve during your last summer’s first stint at the Bay Oval?
 
My steepest learning curve last summer was definitely understanding the level of urgency that is required, especially around game and event days. I quickly learnt how important it is to be in the right place at the right time and to make sure jobs are completed within the required timeframe.
 
Sometimes there is only a specific window available to get certain jobs done before a game or event, so you have to be organised, prepared, and ready to adapt depending on what is happening. This was something I had to learn quickly, as the workload can change at short notice and there is always something that needs to be done. It taught me the importance of working efficiently, communicating with the team, and being prepared for whatever the day might bring.
 
What are you most looking forward to this summer at the Bay Oval?
 
I am looking forward to having more experience and a better understanding of everything that goes on behind the scenes, while continuing to learn and develop throughout the year. I am especially excited to experience more major events and see how the preparation and work changes depending on the occasion.
 
From an events perspective, the India ODI series will be a really cool experience for me. It will be another great opportunity to be involved in a high-level international event.
 
If the genie in the bottle gave you the opportunity to prepare a pitch or ground anywhere in the world - where and what would it be?
 
Would be a part of the preparation for a boxing day test match at the MCG. 
 
Finally, what excites you about your career and where do you think it may lead in the future?
 
What excites me most about the industry is the connections I am able to make with people and where those relationships and opportunities might lead me in the future. The turf industry is a relatively small community, and I have already realised how valuable it is to meet people, learn from them, and build good relationships along the way.
 
I am also really excited by the opportunities to travel and potentially work overseas in the future. Being able to take the experience and knowledge I gain here in New Zealand and use it at different grounds and venues around the world is something that really interests me. I think the opportunities within the industry are a big part of what makes it so exciting for me.