The power of employing reservists

Height is incredibly proud to be a veteran-owned business and to have nearly one-third of our team be ex-New Zealand Defence Force personnel.  That makes us a comparatively large employer of veterans and reservists in Aotearoa.

We acknowledge the ongoing service and commitment to our country of our Royal New Zealand Navy reservists, LT Dany Rassam and LT Chris Lord, and Royal New Zealand Airforce reservist, SQN LDR Beaufa Brown.

Height CEO, founder and veteran, Warner Cowin, says there’s a saying about reservists being ‘twice the citizen’ and we tautoko that. 

“They work a regular job here at Height and spend at least 20 days a year serving in the forces as reservists.”

As an employer of reservists, it requires some flexibility of time; however, we benefit from their sharp minds, transferrable skills, strong work ethic, and the continual training they receive through their service.

“We are immensely proud to be an employer of reservists and of Dany, Chris and Beaufa. They continue to serve our country and at the same time balance full-time work commitments at Height, with being Dads to young children,” says Warner.   

LT Chris Lord, an Engineer Officer in the Reserves, attends weekly training sessions and works towards maintaining his fitness and readiness for deployment. He regularly provides surge support to HMNZS Canterbury, where he fills in as the Officer of the Day. This involves acting as the captain’s representative and leading the crew and daily operations while the ship is docked, which gives regular force personnel some respite.

Chris values the opportunity to continue serving his country as a reservist, while having a civilian job.

“I love the ongoing training and the opportunity to lead, but mostly it’s the camaraderie and the strong bond you build with your peers that keeps me coming back”, he says.

Chris says transferring from a career in the Defence Force to a civilian job, was a journey made easier through working with several ex-military people.

“I’m grateful to Height’s leaders, Warner and Kel, for investing in me. I love the strong culture and values at Height. In many ways, it’s similar to being in the Navy,” says Chris.

Height is a proud supporter of the Tohu Awards, which recognise excellence from members of our Reserve Force. The awards are run annually by the Defence Employer Support Council (DESC) and acknowledge employers supporting part-time NZDF personnel.

Height’s Reservists Policy: NZDF Reservist Policy .pdf