Tim Bray

Director @Aspire - Community Support

Hamilton, NZ

For 20 years, I co-led Georgina Graham International — an MSD-contracted employment service that supported over people into meaningful, sustainable work across four regions.My role was hands-on: mentoring clients, running group workshops, coaching individuals through job search barriers, and building strong employer and iwi partnerships. I worked alongside people facing long-term unemployment and high-barrier circumstances, ensuring they not only found jobs but kept them.I also trained and supported our team of employment consultants, helping them build confidence in their facilitation and mentoring. Our programmes consistently achieved over 90% six-month retention, because we focused on trust, capability, and cultural fit as much as skills.Key Highlights:Walked alongside people into sustainable work, achieving 90%+ retention at six monthsFacilitated MSD programmes and pilots across Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and AucklandMentored and developed a team of consultants to deliver consistent client resultsBuilt trusted relationships with employers, iwi, and Crown agencies to create real opportunitiesSupported people with diverse needs — from school leavers to long-term unemployed — into roles that matched their strengthsThis work confirmed what I believe: employment consulting is about people first, systems second. Trust and confidence open the door to opportunity.