It’s tradition within Delib to publicly celebrate (read: embarrass) all new starters by splashing a big ol’ photo of them on the blog. We’re very happy to welcome Tim into the mix, who’s joined our New Zealand operation and will be taking care of our Kiwi customers. We asked him some of life’s most important questions.

1. What’s your name and where are you from?

My name is Tim and I’m originally from London. I moved to New Zealand at a young age and grew up in Christchurch. In 2015 I moved up to Wellington for work and have now settled on the Kāpiti coast, a beautiful part of the country that I feel lucky to call home.

2. Favourite band and/or artist?

Ah, the impossible question. I’m a fan of music played low and slow so Johnny Cash  and The National are two of my favourites. Equally, I’m a sucker for slightly offbeat vocalists, so really enjoy the likes of Florence and the Machine, Amy Winehouse and Lorde. Having said all that, if I had to listen to one artist for the rest of time, it’d be Elton John (this might be Rocketman soundtrack based recency bias, but I’m sticking to it).

3. Creature of habit or maverick thinker?

I wouldn’t claim enough inventiveness to call myself a maverick thinker but I really enjoy figuring out ways to make iterative improvements in my work and hobbies. I’m also in favour of creating routines and structures that give you enough room to think freely but keep pulling you along a productive path. Maybe that makes me a creature of habit open to maverick thinking? 

4. You (and, for the sake of keeping it interesting, any spouses/partners/kids/significant others) get mysteriously transported to a desert island, with only time to grab a couple of precious things to take with you. What makes the ‘keep’ list?

We have a chest full of items with special significance for our family, so I’d grab that. Might be cheating as it’s full of precious things but you have to admit a chest full of treasures on a desert island just feels right.

5. Biscuits – dunk or leave unsullied?

Dunk gingernuts, leave all others unsullied. Only the humble gingernut can handle a vigorous dunking and still come out with a semblance of structural integrity. Soggy biscuits are the snack equivalent of mushy peas – entirely unnecessary.

6. Before joining Delib, how did you put bread on the table?

I come from a hospitality background, working for one of New Zealand’s largest breweries in a variety of roles during university and into adult life.  This was following in a fine family tradition, as I spent my first ten years of life living in a flat above a North London pub my parents looked after.

7. Why did you want to join Delib?

I think Delib is doing something important and innovative, which was immediately appealing to me. The approach Delib takes in trying to improve the democratic process is one I can believe in and gives me the chance to do fulfilling and impactful work. Plus, Delib seems to be full of truly excellent people trying to do good work, which is something I want to be involved in.

8. Any shout outs, comments or other musings?A big shout out to the whole team for being so welcoming and helpful. Special thanks to Katharine, Louise, Natalie and Hamish for their help in getting me up to speed. 

Thanks Tim! We’re happy to have you on board 🥳

Follow Tim on Twitter.