Te Awamutu College business manager Katrina Alquist is finishing up after 20 years in the role. Photo: Jeremy Smith.
It was a job she initially saw as a potential stepping stone – but two decades on Katrina Alquist is part of the foundations of Te Awamutu College.
The school’s business manager will step aside next week – after 20 years in the role.
“If you asked me back then, I’d never have thought I would be here this long. But Te Awamutu College has become my family,” she said.
Alquist is leaving to spend more time with her own family, and “up the ante” when it comes to her passion for gardening.
After initially wanting to be a kindergarten teacher, she started in her role at the college in July 2003, having worked as an assistant accountant at PGG Wrightson in Te Kuiti.
“I’ve always had a bit of a forte for numbers and been good with mathematics.”
Among other tasks, her “varied” work has involved everything from paying the college’s accounts – including those for the college marae based on school grounds, O-Tāwhao Marae, and Rogers Charitable Trust.
She has also organised payroll and set the college’s budgets.
She says she has had the best of both worlds – and she gets a sense of pride having contributed to the betterment of student’s lives at school.
Principal Tony Membery said Alquist had played a massive role in shaping Te Awamutu College into the school it is today.
“She has provided 20 years of loyal, dedicated service to the entirety of our wider school community, from the board to the senior leadership team, staff to students and parents and caregivers.
“Her skills, knowledge and amazing work ethic have contributed to us being in good financial health as a school. That is simply the case because she has cared about her work.
“We will absolutely miss her.”
The departing business manager has seen several changes in school life during her time in the role.
When she started there were about 1000 students – that’s risen 40 percent to more than 1400.
“I find it amazing that some of the students I saw come through the college now have children of their own here.”
Job wise, “…there were of course computers around back in 2003, but technology and the systems we use certainly develop over time.
“It’s become more paperless for sure, although, I still like to have a little bit of paper around.
“One other big change I suppose is the fact we don’t do as many payments by cheques anymore.
“Back 20 years ago, nearly all payments were by cheque. Now, of course, the vast majority are direct deposit payments.”
Looking ahead, first up is a holiday, then some time spent helping her partner with his agricultural contracting business.
When it comes to thanks, “…I won’t name any one specifically, in case I miss someone…
“But I have worked with so many amazing people throughout the entire school community over the years.
“Some lifetime friendships have most definitely been created.
“I firmly believe Te Awamutu is very fortunate to have such a brilliant school like the college here.”
