Norm Tufue’s career is a story of steady progression, commitment, and learning on the job.
Starting work straight out of school, Norm built his experience on the job, moved to New Zealand to start a family, and worked his way into leadership through showing up, learning, and taking responsibility when opportunities arose.
How did you get to where you are today? What’s your story?
I left school and got a job as a storeman in a supermarket. I couldn’t afford to go to university, so I told my parents I’d get a job instead.
After a while, I decided I wanted to move into an office role and started working at Aggie Grey’s Hotel as a shipping clerk. Before I knew it, as a 17-year-old, I was delivering weekly wages in envelopes to around 300 staff at the resort. I’d catch the bus with a security guard so I didn’t get mobbed handing them out. I felt like Santa.
I met my wife in 2007 in Samoa – she’s from there, and in 2008 I moved to New Zealand so we could start our family. We lived in her parents’ sleepout in Wainuiomata.
I was on a visitor visa and started as a temp through Quin Workforce on a partnership visa, which led to a role at Resene Paints. After a few weeks, I was asked if I’d be interested in a leadership role in another department.
The call for the interview came through while I was with my wife, who was in labour! Of course, I answered the phone and accepted the interview… then hung up when I realised where I was.
My wife told me to dress up in dress pants and a tie for the interview. My supervisor had a good laugh. I was nervous the manager would ask questions I couldn’t answer, so I talked the whole time, non-stop. Somehow, I got the job.
Most of the staff were older than me and had been there for more than 10 years, so I relied on them a lot. I started early every morning to get things set up for the team, focused on organising inventory and making things easier to find, and cleaned up the workspace. That didn’t go unnoticed by senior management.
After five years, I was ready for another challenge. When an opportunity came up in paint making, I was offered a trial and then the Leading Hand role. It was hands-on and physical, but I also took it on myself to learn the admin side of the business. I was comfortable with computers and enjoyed learning how the whole operation worked.
In 2013, I became Production Supervisor. The rest is history. I’m now Plant Operations Manager, managing up to 70 staff.
What does a typical day in your job look like?
Managing people, dealing with processes and issues, health and safety, planning, and communicating with the leading hands. No day is the same, and things can change quickly.
How do you think your job is perceived by others, and is it different from reality?
People probably think I sit in the office and people come in and out talking to me all day.
It’s not a physical role, but it is mentally taxing. I’m constantly thinking about what’s next and what needs to be done. I’ve been here so long that when people come to ask me something, I usually know the answer before they’ve finished the question.
Do you have any daily rituals or habits that help you succeed at work?
I’m a family man and a Christian, so every morning I pray.
I believe the words I start the day with set the tone. I’m thankful for waking up, thankful for my family, I ask for forgiveness, and I pray that we’re looked after during the day.
It all comes down to gratitude.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing people grow.
Delivering results and executing plans matters, but the real reward is helping people recognise their own value and potential. I enjoy training, supporting, and watching people develop and succeed.
That’s what makes the job truly rewarding.
What advice would you give someone considering this trade or industry?
Stay consistent.
Keep doing the simple things, especially when no one is watching. Be true to yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone else when people are watching. It’s not a show.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
My manager encouraged me to do some university papers in Business Management to build my skills. I’m still working through those now.
What do you think is the most important quality for success in your industry?
Drive and wanting to be there.
When I started at Resene, I didn’t have my licence. I caught a bus from Wainuiomata and walked to get to work for a 6am start. Nothing was going to stop me from getting there.
What’s one skill you’ve developed that’s had the biggest impact on your career?
Understanding people.
Everyone’s different, so you have to learn how to relate to individuals and navigate different personalities. It’s huge for team culture and building strong teams.
What do you do to unwind after a busy week?
Family first.
I’m also involved in reviving the Samoan Cricket League. We restarted it in 2021, my son plays, and my wife supports from behind the scenes. We now have a Resene team, and the most recent tournament had 17 teams involved. We’re proud of how much it’s grown.
If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be?
The Prime Minister. I’d be curious to see what it’s really like to run a country and how hectic it must be.
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