Krystal Davis

Ingoa: Krystal Davis
Iwi / Hapū: Te Arawa
Ahumahi: Resource Recovery
Tūnga mahi: Operations Supervisor – Rotorua 
Organisation:WM New Zealand

Krystal Davis never imagined she would build a career in the waste management industry. Raised in Rotorua and a former student of Western Heights School, Krystal’s early career was in tourism, securing a scholarship with Air New Zealand to become a flight attendant. When the recession hit, she shifted into guiding with Tamaki Tours, where she immersed herself in Māori culture and supported all areas of the family-run business. Ready for something new, she later moved into office work and joined WM New Zealand twelve years ago. 

After several years in administration, Krystal moved into a Compliance Coordinator role, overseeing health and safety across three sites, Rotorua, Whakatāne, and Taupō. “I said ‘nah’ at first. Health and safety sounded boring. But after a while, I got bored with what I was doing, so I jumped in.” In the role, she audited sites, ran toolboxes, and rode alongside drivers to document safety practices. With a strong people-first approach, she made safety practical and relatable. “It’s all about the people – without them, there is no health and safety. Once you know people on a personal level, it’s easier to get engagement.” 

A year ago, Krystal stepped into her current role as Operational Supervisor, leading a team of 11 driver/operators and one despatcher. “I basically run the drivers team for site,” she says. Her responsibilities include ensuring pre-start checks, offering post-run support, coordinating minor maintenance, and working closely with customers and staff to make sure all tasks are completed safely and to a high standard. “My key role is to ensure all tasks are completed safely and meet or even exceed the customer’s requirements.”

Though many in her position have a truck licence, Krystal is working toward hers. In the meantime, she brings strong business knowledge, trusted relationships, and the full support of her site to keep growing. “I’m fortunate to have the support to learn and expand in this role.” 

Her leadership style has been shaped by three generations of strong wāhine, her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother, as well as her father’s dedication to community sport through the Ngongotahā football club. “He had a passion for teaching youth. It wasn’t just about the sport, it was about community. I bring that same mindset to my work.” 

While completing a management programme through Massey University, Krystal is firmly positioned in operations leadership and continues to grow her capabilities, with a view to stepping into broader site or branch management responsibilities. 

She’s also passionate about building visibility for Māori in leadership. “It can be daunting for some, especially wāhine, to be the only Māori in a room full of men. But visibility is important,  if people can see others like them in leadership, they’ll know they can get there too.” 

Te Ao Māori is part of the culture at her workplace, from Matariki celebrations and Te Reo Māori initiatives to team-building and shared kai. With a Cook Island Māori partner and children in Māori immersion, cultural identity is central to her life. She draws strong links between Māori values and workplace wellbeing, especially through Te Whare Tapa Whā, which acknowledges the importance of balance across physical, mental, spiritual, and social dimensions. 

Krystal is also passionate about changing how people view the waste industry. “People forget about waste, but it’s more than just rubbish. It’s an industry that creates power, mulch, and fuels innovation. There’s opportunity here, and I want to see more Māori stepping into leadership roles.” 

For now, she remains focused on building safer, more inclusive workplaces and showing what’s possible. “If it’s going to help, I’m all for it. But at the end of the day, it’s about the people, making sure they get home safe.”