Faces of the CRL – Maria Tims
Delivering the country’s largest infrastructure project takes some seriously talented people, so in this section “Faces of the CRL” we interview some of City Rail Link’s best and brightest. This month we turn the spotlight on Maria Tims, who is integral member of the City Rail Link team, being something of a ‘Jill-of-all-trades’.
Name: Maria Tims
Age: 26
Suburb: Mount Eden, Auckland
How long have you been working with City Rail Link? I started after the first lockdown earlier this year, in May.
What is your role? HSSE & HR Advisor
How do you do it? My role sits within the Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability team but I also look after the HR function too, so my work is always varied. I administer the Health & Safety reporting and track incident and injury reports into our management system. I provide HR support to all team members and assist with performance and development, training and workforce planning.
What do you enjoy most about your job? CRL Ltd is made up of such talented people and I am learning so much from everyone. I coordinate the CRL Ltd Wellbeing Programme and I enjoy organising wellness activities that aligns with our monthly focus. To date, we have had mindfulness training sessions, a financial wellbeing workshop and a fiercely competed Steptember challenge.
What is the most challenging part? With any new role, learning about a different industry and understanding technical jargon can be confusing in the beginning.
What have been some of your previous jobs? My first role was HR/Payroll Coordinator at DLA Piper and I then moved to Vodafone, where I was an HR Advisor supporting the Technology, Enterprise and Legal functions. An opportunity at Qantas came up and I was offered a fixed-term role as People & Culture Consultant. My contract ended a few months early due to Covid-19 but I was very fortunate to land a role at City Rail Link, where I am really enjoying being part of the team. I often joke that I’ve moved from planes to trains.
Do you have any hobbies outside work? I enjoy road trips and being near the water. Travel restrictions this year have definitely made me appreciate the great beaches and towns nearby, but I can’t wait to head overseas again. I love great food and wine, so I’m always on the hunt for new eateries and bars around Auckland.
What are you looking forward to most about when the CRL is complete? Being able to travel around Auckland CBD with ease, it really is going to be a game-changer for Auckland. I can proudly claim I contributed towards the project!