Success Stories
At Rainbow’s End, our biggest successes aren’t just the awards we’ve won — they’re the people who bring the park to life every day. Many of our team members start in frontline roles and grow into lifelong careers, becoming part of the Rainbow’s End whānau.
Here’s one of those stories — meet Smiley, who joined us as a teenager and has grown into a key leader across the business.
From Guest to Leader: Smiley’s 15-Year Journey at Rainbow’s End
Over 15 years ago, a bright-eyed 16-year-old girl (me!) came to Rainbow’s End as a guest with her niece and nephew, excited for a day of fun. We arrived early and waited at the gates, chatting about which rides we’d go on first. That’s when a team member walked over with a big smile and an even bigger welcome: “Heeeeeey!!!!!!!”
He asked what we were most excited for, and I remember saying, “Wow, it must be so cool to work here every day, ay?” That simple comment changed everything.
“Well,” he said, “we’re actually looking for new team members!” When I told him I’d just turned 16 and had my learner’s licence, he invited me to join a group interview happening in 15 minutes. I said yes without hesitation.
I walked into the conference room in my casual day-at-the-park clothes (very different to the other well-dressed candidates!) and just gave it my best shot. We introduced ourselves, talked about our hobbies, favourite ice cream flavours, and even what superpower we’d choose — I said “Rainbow!” and that I’d want to fly so I could travel the world.
After the session, I went back to enjoy the park. Then came a surprise call — I was asked to return for a one-on-one interview. Later that day, another call: I got the job!
That was September 2009. My very first job. I walked in as a guest and left with a contract in hand — ready to start the following Saturday.
Since then, I’ve worked in nearly every part of the park. I started on the frontline, worked my way up to supervisor, then moved into an office role in Marketing. I became the Marketing & Education Coordinator, worked with schools, helped run Night Rides, and celebrated our students of the term.
I eventually stepped into a leadership role, managing my own department — always holding onto the energy I had on my first day.
Today, I’m proud to work across multiple areas:
Customer Service, delivering world-class guest care
Duty Manager, overseeing daily park operations and safety
Safety & Compliance Coordinator, maintaining systems and reporting standards
After 15 years, I’ve truly grown up at Rainbow’s End. It’s more than a workplace — it’s shaped my career, my confidence, and even who I am as a person: a mum, a leader, and someone who still loves the magic of the park.
Most of the team know me as Smiley — and I wear that name proudly. It’s not just who I am, it’s how I want others to feel around me.
This is my Rainbow’s End success story — and it’s still going. 😊