Laura Harvey

As part of a professional four-person gardening team, maintained the extensive grounds and gardens of a retirement village, ensuring high standards of presentation and resident satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities & Achievements:

• Comprehensive Garden Maintenance: Performed all aspects of garden care including weeding, mulching, composting, and garden renovation to maintain beautiful outdoor spaces for residents.

• Lawn & Grounds Care: Managed mowing schedules, lawn maintenance, and hard surface cleaning to keep the property pristine.

• Specialised Services: Conducted hedge trimming, spraying programmes, window washing, and house washing to maintain both gardens and building exteriors.

• Garden Cultivation: Cultivated new garden areas and renovated existing beds, improving the overall landscape aesthetic.

• Team Collaboration: Worked effectively within a four-person team to coordinate daily tasks, manage large property areas, and deliver consistent quality across the entire site.

• Professional Standards: Maintained high standards of workmanship in a retirement village setting where resident well-being and property presentation are paramount.

Founded and operated an independent gardening and soft landscaping business, managing a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial properties throughout the Wellington region.

Key Responsibilities & Achievements:

• Large-Scale Installation Projects: Successfully managed and installed lawns and gardens for a new build development of 5 townhouses, including laying 100m² of ready lawn and establishing complete garden systems.

• Regular Property Maintenance: Built and maintained a client base of 15-20 properties, providing comprehensive garden care services including weeding, planting, garden design, shrub and tree trimming, and pest and disease management.

• Property Preparation: Specialised in preparing houses for sale and managing rental property gardens to maximise property presentation and market appeal.

• Soft Landscaping Services: Delivered comprehensive soft landscaping solutions including section clearing, large-scale planting jobs, and garden establishment work.

• Client Relationship Management: Fostered positive, long-term relationships with clients through reliable service, clear communication, and quality workmanship.

• Business Operations: Managed all aspects of business operations including scheduling, budgeting, client communications, and maintaining a work vehicle (flatdeck truck).

• Garden Design: Created small-scale garden designs tailored to client needs, site conditions, and budget constraints.

Worked as a professional gardener with Bark Ltd, maintaining gardens and grounds for high-profile commercial and institutional sites throughout Wellington.

Notable Sites & Responsibilities:

• Victoria University Campus: Maintained campus gardens and green spaces, contributing to a positive learning environment for students and staff.

• Parliament Precinct: Performed gardening services for New Zealand’s parliamentary grounds, maintaining the prestigious gardens to the highest standards.

• Premier House: Maintained gardens at the official residence of the Prime Minister, requiring attention to detail and professional presentation.

• Residential & Embassy Properties: Provided garden maintenance services for various residential properties and embassy grounds throughout Wellington.

• New Zealand Police College Grounds: Maintained the extensive grounds of the Police College, ensuring well-kept outdoor spaces for training and operations.

Key Skills Developed:

• Working to high standards on prestigious sites
• Professional conduct in sensitive and high-profile environments
• Team coordination and time management
• Comprehensive garden maintenance across diverse site types
• Adapting gardening techniques to different site requirements

Worked as a checkout assistant at Thorndon New World, developing strong customer service skills and work ethic during university studies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provided friendly and efficient customer service at checkout
• Handled cash and electronic transactions accurately
• Maintained a clean and organised workspace
• Assisted customers with inquiries and product information
• Worked flexible shifts including weekends and evenings

Skills Developed:

• Customer service and communication
• Cash handling and accuracy
• Time management and reliability
• Working under pressure during busy periods
• Team collaboration in a fast-paced retail environment