Interview with Tufa - Cater Plus Foundation

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Tufa, who plays a key role in supporting the Foundation by managing the loan applications that come through. As our Cultural Representative at Cater Plus, Tufa’s impact is felt throughout the company, and we’re incredibly grateful for all the support she provides to our people.


Q: Tufa, you’ve been with Cater Plus for over 16 years now. Could you tell us about your role in managing the loan applications through the Cater Plus Foundation?
Tufa: Absolutely. I’ve been looking after the loan applications for the Cater Plus Foundation for quite some time now. My role involves reviewing each application to see if it meets the necessary criteria. Once I’ve gone over the details, I contact the applicant directly to gather information about their time with the company, their employment contract, and to request any supporting documents that are required for the application.
If an applicant doesn’t have all the documents I need, I may reach out to their Operations or Site Manager to get a better sense of their consistency at work. I always try to understand their background and ensure we’re treating everyone fairly during this process.
Q: What’s the next step once you’ve gathered all the information?
Tufa: Once I have all the details, I work closely with Paul to help approve the loan. I also put together a detailed report for him on each application.

Q: It sounds like a lot of work, but your role seems to be more than just processing loans. Could you tell us a bit about your broader involvement with the company?
Tufa: Yes, it is! I’m also the Cultural Representative here at Cater Plus. This means I work closely with our staff, especially when they’re facing challenges or feel uncomfortable discussing issues with their direct managers. I help guide them in the right direction and ensure they’re getting the support they need, particularly when financial hardship is involved. If someone is hesitant to speak over the phone, I’m more than happy to meet them in person. It’s about being there for people when they need it the most.

Q: What advice would you give to someone applying for a loan for the first time through the Cater Plus Foundation?
Tufa: My advice would be simple – don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You’re applying for a reason, and it’s okay to ask for assistance. The loans are designed to be a hand up, not a handout. They’re there to help with essential needs, not for things like holidays. We always emphasise that the loan needs to be repaid within 12 months, so it’s important to understand the terms before applying.

Q: What’s the most fulfilling part of your role at Cater Plus?
Tufa: For me, it’s all about the people. The culture here is something that I really value. The continuous learning, the growth – it’s something I really appreciate. “He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata,” which means, “What is the most important thing? It is people, it is people, it is people.” That’s what it all comes down to for me.