A 2000-word dissertation about dealing with a stink bug infestation has helped Natarlia Harold win the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand Young Achiever award for 2019.
Ms Harold, 25, received her award at the CBAFF gathering in Queenstown.
Independent Verification Services chief executive Peter Webb was among the judging team and said Ms Harold stood out in a high quality group of finalists.
“It was a tough decision but Natarlia’s dissertation and interview with the judges was impressive,” Mr Webb said.
“She not only quantified the problem, she came up with a potential industry-wide solution.”
Her prize includes an all-expenses paid trip to Fiji, with $1500 spending money, and $4000 worth of training courses.
Ms Harold said a suggestion from her school dean led to her exploring a freight forwarding career.
“I didn’t know anything about careers in the sector but my dean suggested it to me when I was leaving school,” she said.
“I started my freight forwarding and supply chain course at Manukau Institute of Technology when I was 17 and then joined a small freight forwarding company, where you got to do everything, so I learned a lot.”
Ms Harold now works with Jacanna Customs and Freight.
In Fiji, Ms Harold is to meet with industry agents and tour the airport.
Her prize also included a plaque, IVS training courses to the value of NZ$4000, complimentary attendance, flights and accommodation for this year’s annual CBAFF conference for the winner announcement, and complimentary attendance to next year’s conference.
She is also automatically nominated for the International Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award.
