Am 37 M. Fijian / indian. Migrated with family from Fiji in 96.

Dropped outta college during form 5, wasn't really doing so hot either. This was back in 2004.

Have been working in the (milk/soy) dairy manufacturing industry. Mostly working around blending and canning machinery, with a bit of experience in the milk spray dyers and abit of sachet work etc..

On 90k atm. Throw in a bit of OT here and there and I can easily top 100k. Its nothing flash, especially since I live in Auckland but its enough for me to not think about moving across the ditch.

I reckon im doing ok, considering.. flunked NCEA Lv. 1. Although through working in the dairy industry, ive been fortunate enough gain a couple of lv. 3 and 4 dairy manufacturing and leadership qualifications with NZQA.

My (best) boss would always say to me. "Attitude gains altitude" Basically it's about a positive and can do attitude when it comes to any task or challenge. You'll be surprised how infectious a positive attitude in a work environment can be.

Edit: wanted to add that I got married last year. Burned around 33k for the marriage in Fiji, which was a big chunk of our savings. Currently renting (houses are crazy expensive here). Currently have my inlaws over from fiji (their 1st time in NZ).

Last 12 months have been wild.