Judith is one of the friendly street ambassadors for the Retail Quarter Upgrade project. Her role is to help people safely navigate around worksites and assist the construction crew. She can often be spotted assisting people with mobility impairments or helping with directions – and always with a smile! We asked Judith a few questions about her role and her background.

What is your background?

I was a Tourism Tour Guide for Speights Brewery for 10 years. I’ve also worked as a cleaner, guard and shunter for Dunedin Railways. I also worked as a COVID Screener at Mosgiel Health Centre and Te Whatu Ora Southern/Dunedin Public Hospital.

How long have you lived in Dunedin?

Initially I lived in Waitati as an infant, but have lived all my life in Dunedin.

What do you enjoy about your job?

Meeting people, helping where I can and thinking outside the square as to how can I help or do something different.

If you had a message to the public walking around worksites, what would it be?

Please appreciate the work going on and respect the tasks we have been assigned. If the foundations are in alignment, you end up with a complete project!

What do you love most about Dunedin?

Our history, our beautiful scenery, buildings and wildlife.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

Since the age of 7, I’ve been a marcher. I still march today, for leisure. In my competitive days, I achieved Otago Champs, South Island Champs, Top 10 in New Zealand and qualified for the interdominion between New Zealand and Australia. I have many badges and medals, including Masters Games medals!