Michael’s enjoying his rounds at golf club
When Michael Barrell got a job mowing the greens at Kaitake Golf Club, he never expected to represent Taranaki at golf.
But on Tuesday he took part in an annual greenkeepers’ tournament between Taranaki and Manawatu¯, played in extraordinarily windy conditions at Manaia.
Taranaki lost narrowly to Manawatu¯, and Barrell lost several balls, he said.
However, he has a bucketful to replace them, and the club this week received an ‘above and beyond award’ for being a good employer.
Barrell, from New Plymouth, was hired six months ago with the assistance of Workbridge, which helps people with disabilities, injuries or illness find employment. Barrell, who is 6ft11, said he enjoyed golf and working outside at the club near Oakura. He sometimes had problems fitting into machinery, but he didn’t mind working in bad weather.
‘‘I love being outdoors, even in the rain and wind and everything else,’’ he said.
Workbridge employment consultant Nichola Lobban said Workbridge presents the Above and Beyond awards each year to acknowledge employers who were especially supportive and willing to give someone a chance, she said.
Barrell is the only other paid employee in the team that cares for the greens, Domenico Squatriti, golf club superintendent, said. ‘‘He fits in well with the rest of the staff and does a good mowing job.’’
The other employers who received awards are Taranaki By-Products Ltd, Total Property Services Ltd and OCS Ltd New Plymouth.