Finding a Voice, Lifting Others: Jim Paul’s Story

When Jim Paul walks onto a site, there’s almost four decades of experience in his stride. After 39 years with Fulton Hogan, he’s seen the industry evolve, weathered challenges, and learned lessons that can’t be taught from a textbook. But when he heard there was a programme designed specifically to support Pacific and Māori people to grow their skills and opportunities, he didn’t hesitate.

“I wanted to share my knowledge,” Jim says. “To build them up a little bit, make sure they’re aware of how to get up in the world.”

For Jim, this wasn’t just another training course. Growing up, opportunities like this were rare — if they existed at all. The idea that Pacific and Māori workers could receive training that spoke to their culture, values, and lived experience was powerful.

“This programme has been eye-opening,” he reflects. “If we work hard, it might take us a little longer, but it’s achievable. It’s not some distant dream.”

One of Jim’s biggest turning points came when he found his voice.“I started asking questions,” he says. “We’re all different people, but sometimes we just need someone to meet us at our level, to bring us up.”

That’s what makes the difference. When the people delivering the training understand the learners — not just their job titles, but their backgrounds, their cultures, and the barriers they’ve faced — transformation happens.

“The people that understand Polynesian people and Māori people are Polynesian and Māori people,”

“The people that understand Polynesian people and Māori people are Polynesian and Māori people,” Jim says simply. “You get those educators in the room, and suddenly we’re all on the same page.”

For employers, stories like Jim’s are more than feel-good moments. They’re proof that the right training environment can unlock potential, strengthen teams, and prepare workers to lead.