Auala Dr Stephven Kolose
Senior Advisor (Human factors and Ergonomics) at WorkSafe New Zealand. Chair-elect (2023) at the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of New Zealand (HFESA)
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science (Psychology), Post Graduate Diploma in Ergonomics, Master of Science (Human Factors & Ergonomics), PhD (3D anthropometry) and CNZHFE (Certified NZ Ergonomist)
Hobbies: Rugby, volleyball, athletics, computers, jamming with friends, and watching SciFi shows and movies. I also loved hanging out with my youth group (Autalavou) at church
Favourite food: Fish n chips, ice cream, custard squares, and other healthier alternatives
Hobbies: Rugby, volleyball, athletics, computers, jamming with friends, and watching SciFi shows and movies. I also loved hanging out with my youth group (Autalavou) at church
Favourite food: Fish n chips, ice cream, custard squares, and other healthier alternatives
I live in Auckland, but I’m from Samoa (Matautu Lefaga, Leauva'a villages) and I grew up in Halfway Bush, Dunedin. I went to Otago Boys High School and my favourite subjects were Biology, English, and PE. My least favourite were: Maths, maths with statistics, maths with calculus, anything Maths! At school, my biology teacher at OBHS Mr McConnell (Ian), had a big impact on me. His teaching style and positivity is what made me love, and pursue a career in science. I studied at the University of Otago, and worked seasonal jobs at Mainland Cheese in South Dunedin, then at ANZCO meat works (fantastic meat patties by the way) in Green Island.
I currently work for WorkSafe, providing specialist ergonomics support to WorkSafe and our external partners. Working for one of New Zealand’s main regulators means that the work I do has the potential to affect all working New Zealanders. My dream job, was my previous job. I worked for the NZ Defence Force for 11 years. In that role I was able to measure the cockpits of all the RNZAFs aircraft to determine whether they were fit for the pilot’s body size. My current role is more fulfilling as it affects all New Zealanders as opposed to only military personnel.
If you could give some words of wisdom to your younger self - what would you say?
I currently work for WorkSafe, providing specialist ergonomics support to WorkSafe and our external partners. Working for one of New Zealand’s main regulators means that the work I do has the potential to affect all working New Zealanders. My dream job, was my previous job. I worked for the NZ Defence Force for 11 years. In that role I was able to measure the cockpits of all the RNZAFs aircraft to determine whether they were fit for the pilot’s body size. My current role is more fulfilling as it affects all New Zealanders as opposed to only military personnel.
If you could give some words of wisdom to your younger self - what would you say?
" Pray, believe and be patient. Surround yourself with people that truly love and care for you. "
