He’s got big energy and is the hypeman/MC for NZ’s well-known DJ Sir-Vere — meet our new customer service scheduler, Jerome Leuluniu Tugia… 

Q. What made you want to work for HydroVac?
A. Initially, it was the 500-metre commute, compared to the 33km at my previous employment. It was also a completely new industry for me — one I had zero awareness of before joining the company.

Q. What excites you about your role?
A. I enjoy the unpredictability, dealing directly with customers, and the opportunity to learn new skills.

Q. What did you do before HydroVac?
A. Most recently, I worked at the NZ distribution centre for Repco, where I transitioned from picking, packing, and dispatching to managing a smaller off-site warehouse. I am also, and have been for over a decade, the hypeman/MC for NZ hip-hop legend DJ Sir-Vere.

Q. What’s surprised you about HydroVac so far?
A. We handle a vast variety of work here, from a drain unblock for Joe Bloggs down the road, to NZ Defence Force bases, Auckland motorways, correctional facilities and even Auckland Zoo! We do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to ensure operations run smoothly.

Q. What are the priorities, now you’re in the role?
A. Learning (a lot of learning), supporting the team around me, and providing the best service I can to both staff and customers.

Q. Tell us about your family/home life…
A. I live with my partner Zeida, our cat Coconut, and our son Elijah, affectionately known as Jahjah. There’s usually music playing, often meditative, plenty of singing and dancing, walks around the neighbourhood, cozy snuggles on the couch, and, of course, a lot of “Don’t touch that!”

Q. How do you relax? 
A. Right now, I’m spending time with my family, listening to music, and watching YouTube videos. I’m currently neck-deep in Game of Thrones lore, boxing, and keeping up with the NRL.

Q. What would surprise us about you?
A. I’ve been a hypeman/MC for almost 15 years and counting. During that time, I’ve travelled from Whangarei to Invercargill, as well as to Fiji and Australia. I’ve had the privilege of opening the stage for numerous local and international musicians, performing at festivals here in New Zealand, and even at boat parties in Darling Harbour, Sydney. “When I say Hydro, you say Vac!” *Mic drop*