Fifteen years ago, Graham Renata started his career with Opal as a dispatch worker. Today, he leads the high-performing Hastings Corrugated Plant, overseeing the production of 320,000 square metres of corrugated material daily.

Graham’s career progression is a testament to his strong work ethic and passion for learning. “I started as a dispatch worker at a specialty box plant, strapping pallets for a neighbour who asked for help,” he recalls.

“From there, I quickly moved into dispatch management, production management, and eventually site management.”

Over the years, Graham has taken on various roles across Opal including internal consulting and overseeing multiple sites. Today, Graham plays a key role in ensuring Opal delivers high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions for New Zealand’s primary industries including kiwifruit, apples, and meat.

One of the busiest times of the year for his team is the kiwifruit season, starting in late February. “We begin stockpiling packaging materials months in advance to meet the demand from growers,” he explains.

“At the peak of the season, we manage tens of thousands of pallets, which are consumed within weeks. It’s a busy but rewarding time, as our work directly supports New Zealand’s export market”

While managing production is a key part of his role, Graham finds the greatest satisfaction in mentoring and developing his team.

“Helping others further their careers is the most fulfilling part of my job,” he says. “Watching team members from all walks of life gain confidence and succeed, whether at Opal or in other fields, is incredibly rewarding.”

Reflecting on his career, Graham takes the most pride in nurturing talent. “I’ve led several large-scale projects, like installing new machinery worth millions, but my biggest success is seeing people I’ve mentored move into leadership roles. I even supported one person in achieving their dream of becoming a police officer.”

For those considering a career at Opal, Graham has one piece of advice: “There’s so much opportunity here if you’re willing to grab it. People often think we’re ‘box makers,’ but there’s so much more—design, engineering, sales. You can build a fulfilling career in ways you might not expect.”

And if you’re wondering what he wanted to be while growing up—Graham once dreamed of being a truck driver like his father. “I idolised him,” he says. “I even travelled across the U.S. with him, seeing parts of America most people never get to.”

While Graham took a different path, his drive to succeed has never wavered.

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