At a festival with my partner Al
Meet Sarah Coutts, who recently joined us as Health & Safety officer and loves darts, spending time in the garden and with animals
What is your role and what are some of the things that you enjoyed doing this year?
I have recently joined Unitec as a Health and Safety Advisor. I have really enjoyed meeting such a wide range of people and getting to know what they do and how I can support in my role. I look forward to learning every day with such a wide variety of things happening across campus. One of my biggest passions is well-being, especially around mental health.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I enjoy playing darts, spending time in the garden, music of all genres (especially Rock!), trying new foods, and the odd glass of wine or whiskey. Animals are my happy place. I volunteer for the SPCA and also collect for Youthline and Hospice most years. I hope to start traveling again next year, put everything on hold due to Covid.
Where did you grow up and what’s interesting about that place?
I was born in Whangarei and lived both in town and rural. Loved living on the farm! We then emigrated to the UK when I was 10. Initially we stayed with my Aunt and Uncle in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire while my parents set up jobs and a home in London. After that, aged 11, I had 2 years of schooling in London then off to Cardiff, Wales. At 17, I returned to London on my own to begin a career in Hospitality Management. As you can see my parents like to move a lot and still do. I think this really made me become resilient as a child and it has stuck with me since then. I feel it has made me very open to change and a love for different cultures/people and experiences.
Do you speak any other languages, what is special about that for you?
I wish I could speak other languages, but unfortunately, I can only do the real basics in French and Spanish. I am hoping to learn some Te Reo now that I have joined Unitec and hope to share this with my nephews who are of Maori descent.
Tell us a funny memory from childhood…
I remember a story my mum tells often … I was in a four-wheel drive on the farm at 18 months old. (before seatbelts or car seats!! – great Health and Safety lol) Mum was driving across the field when the passenger door flung open, and I was left hanging on by the door handle! Luckily, I rolled down the hill and apparently was laughing not crying after the experience!!
What is your favourite book or movie? Why? I love the Green Mile. The acting is fabulous, such a great storyline and it holds such great learnings on not judging others too swiftly. I also have a soft spot for reading but don’t really have a favourite author or book. I like to relax with a good fiction novel or autobiography. I do have a soft spot for Gothic fiction, for example, Interview with a Vampire. Don’t judge me! Lol.
With my lovely nephews
Tell us an achievement out of work that you’re proud of.
Helping raise my nephews would be my greatest achievement. From difficult circumstances, they have become gorgeous young men!
Is there a song that reminds you of a significant/interesting/funny time in your life?
Pretty fly (for a white guy) by Offspring – we played this as the last song at my brother’s funeral and everyone just giggled. He would have loved it.
Best concert/show/event you’ve ever been to? What made it special?
This was hard to choose. I was lucky to be invited to a festival of dance, music, and delicious food in Rarotonga held by locals for locals. I felt honoured as visitors don’t usually get to attend. It was a feast for the eyes, ears, and stomach!!
What’s your favourite food or signature dish?
My favourite food is cheese and anything it is on or in! I love cooking so hard to know my signature dish or if I have one. I do know my partner loves my Roast Chicken dinner.
My grandad, my hero!
Grandad during the war
Who do you most admire and what is it about them that makes them special?
I admire my Grandad; he is my hero! He turned 102 on the 1 July 2022. He has survived war, the loss of his soul mate/wife of 75 years, plus double pneumonia, and Covid-19 at the same time!!! He still lives at home too. His secret he says is a glass of red and a sense of humour. He is still very cheeky.