'Hedgehog' ensuring the best

Coronet Peak head of maintenance Dave "Hedgehog" den Hertog. Photo supplied.
Coronet Peak head of maintenance Dave "Hedgehog" den Hertog. Photo supplied.
Our series of skifield job profiles continues throughout the winter season. Dave "Hedgehog" den Hertog from Kawakawa Bay near Auckland talks about his job as head of the maintenance department at Coronet Peak, where he started in summer to prepare the facilities for the ski season.

Queenstown Times: Why did you choose this job?

Dave den Hertog: For the chance to work in the ski industry, to work outside in the sun and for self-development.

QT: What kind of job did you do before you took up this job?

DdH: I was a helicopter engineer

QT: How would you describe your job?

DdH: There is never a dull moment. It is an awesome opportunity to be part of a world-class operation, and supplying the best experience to our customers.

QT: Which challenges come with the job?

DdH: Making sure our maintenance team supports all of the other mountain departments, so they are able to offer the best service.

QT: Which skills or qualities are needed to do your job?

DdH: Be a people person and listen to your team-mates. You need to have an understanding of the mechanics of the industry

QT: What is your best advice to people who move to Queenstown for seasonal work?

DdH: Take time to stop and look at what's around you, enjoy the lake and mountains.

QT: What has been your most amusing, interesting or surprising on-the-job experience so far this season?

DdH: To see the kids' faces as they get off the bus and see Shred and Spike, our ski area mascots. Priceless!

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