Moving to a new country can be overwhelming – but for Olive Opetaia, it was also the start of something incredible. Originally from Samoa, Olive faced the challenge of adjusting to a completely new environment when she arrived in New Zealand.
With a gentle push from her father to try something outside her comfort zone, she discovered Skills Ignite and decided to enrol in the Hospitality Level 3 programme.
What began as a way to overcome her social anxiety soon turned into something much bigger.
Olive found herself not just learning new skills but unlocking a confidence and passion she never knew she had.
Olive threw herself into every opportunity she could grab. She joined the Hospitality team, bonded with her classmates, and built strong relationships with her tutors – who became her forces of encouragement. Whether it was learning about barista work, bartending, or perfecting the art of table setting, Olive’s excitement for hospitality continued to grow with each new experience. Field trips, campus events, and hands-on practical work gave her a real taste of the industry – and she loved it.
One moment she’ll never forget? Competing in the 2024 Hospitality Competition. Olive took part in multiple categories including table setting, bartending, and barista skills – and walked away as Skills Ignite’s first-ever Hospitality Competition Champion! However, her success didn’t stop there.
Shortly after completing her Level 3 qualification in January, Olive was offered a role with Accor Hotels at Novotel Auckland Airport which was a huge milestone in her journey. Since then, she’s already made a strong impression, with the Food & Beverage Manager sharing glowing feedback about her performance.
Now, Olive is getting ready for her next chapter, and she plans to return to Skills Ignite soon, to study Level 4 Hospitality and work towards her LCQ (Licence Controller Qualification).
Her story is a powerful reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to amazing things. From quiet beginnings to becoming a hospitality champion, Olive is proof that when you back yourself and find the right support – you can go further than you ever imagined.
