Meet Jono, a true Matamata local with a genuine passion for people, the outdoors and a bit of rugby and golf. Having worked at N4L since 2017, hear about Jono’s journey to becoming a School Relationship Manager, what makes him tick and the great pride he takes in lightening the load for NZ schools.
Kia ora, I’m Jono! School Relationship Manager covering the Upper North Island at N4L.
Where did you grow up?
I’m a Matamata local. I grew up here and am still based in the area.
What brings you joy outside of work?
Spending time with family, learning and exploring the historical sides of this fine country, and growing things in my garden. Getting along to the local rugby clubs and the odd game of golf is a good day.
How did you end up working in this role?
I’ve been in people-oriented roles for my working life, whether that was as an outdoor instructor or in hospitality. After completing a master’s, I worked at World Vision for a spell, where I primarily worked with schools signing them up to the 40-hour famine, so meeting and speaking with people has always come naturally. As for N4L, I had just returned from a 6-month-long overseas adventure, and someone I knew was working at N4L and informed me that one of the Relationship Manager team was going on maternity leave, and I should apply. So I did, and the rest is history. I’m very happy I applied.
What appealed to you about the role?
As a kid, I loved going to school and getting the chance to visit other schools. Then, as an adult, the various roles I had, continued to have me involved with schools in some fashion. So a job that had me providing a vital service to schools was very appealing.
Plus, the road trips to visit schools are pretty darn cool as well. My coverage zone has me looking after schools from Te Kaha on the East coast, down to National Park in the middle. I very much enjoy a good historical podcast along the way, and being able to see some of the historical locations from New Zealand’s history is quite humbling, too. Like where Te Rauparaha and the future Maori King Te Wherowhero battled it out for Kawhia, which is near a Kura in Taharoa. Or where the battle of Taumatawiwi was fought on my way to visit Horahora School near Cambridge. My role sometimes even gives me the opportunity to check out old Pa sites and imagine how the old battles may have gone, like at Makatu, where the old Pa is right behind the Kura.
Tell us about your role.
I do my best to ensure schools are getting the most out of their N4L connection. Schools are often so busy and stretched too thin that they’re unable to get around to sorting out trivial but significant issues, or I’ve found they simply normalise frustrations. So I get real satisfaction from alleviating those frustrations by taking the time to visit in person, to listen and then take action with the help of our Customer Support team.
What feeds your passion within your role?
I want to make sure our service simply works and works simply for schools. Every time I visit a school, I like to do my own little W.O.F checks to ensure everything is working as it should.
What does it mean for you personally in the work N4L delivers?
I’m really proud of the work N4L does around helping kids learn in a safer online environment. I am particularly passionate about keeping kids safe online from harmful content and threats, and helping principals and teachers find the necessary information they need.
Tell us about a highlight or stand out story in your role as a School Relationship Manager.
I once visited a school that was very remote and was experiencing difficulties with its current level of connectivity. They had a very limited bandwidth connection and would often have to use their own 4G network if they wanted to do anything online. I went back to the Customer Support team and checked their eligibility for an upgrade, and thankfully, the team were able to initiate a 1GB fibre upgrade for the school. Fair to say, my next visit was very positive!
What do you hope to achieve in the future of schools and kura?
I would love to help all schools keep safer and more secure online, knowing that all students can access the internet safely.
Meet the rest of the Education and Engagement team by visiting our website.