About Bernadette

Bernadette Sharkey‑Burns is a Senior Advisor in the National Recruitment Service at the Ministry of Social Development, where she works with large commercial employers and government partners to create meaningful employment pathways for job seekers.

Her work centres on building trust, forming strong partnerships, and understanding workforce needs to support sustainable employment outcomes.

With a recruitment background specialising in marketing and communications roles, Bernadette brings valuable insight into how organisations hire and how candidates can present their strengths effectively.

She is known for her relationship‑building skills, clear communication, and ability to navigate complex environments with confidence and professionalism.

About Erin

With 13 years of experience in the media and advertising across both Australia and New Zealand, as a Business Director at NZ’s largest media agency OMD Erin is responsible for leading client business, running a team and diving deep into all things strategy and media.

Over her time in the industry, Erin has been lucky enough to work across some of AU & NZ’s most loved brands including the likes of Mitsubishi, Mazda, Kiwibank and Bonds. Alongside her role in media, Erin is a Reformer Pilates instructor at Bendi in Plimmerton.

About Chris

Chris is an advertising creative with more than three decades of experience working with leading agencies in New Zealand, the UK, and Australia.

He has worked on major brands including Toyota, ANZ, Lotto, Sony, Whittaker’s, and NZ Tourism, and is currently with EightyOne where he continues to develop creative campaigns for some of Aotearoa’s most recognised organisations.

About Tom

With a background spanning Marketing, Sales, Innovation and Product, Tom has worked and led teams across a range of disciplines, industries and countries.

As Head of Brand and Experience at Meridian he currently leads teams responsible for Marketing, Product and Customer Experience across both the Powershop and Meridian brands.

Beyond a number of energy brands both in Aotearoa and the UK he has worked on household brands such as Colgate Palmolive, Tip Top Ice Cream and Lindt Chocolate.