Q&A with Justin Havea, 20Twenties Young Alumni Award winner in 2025
Balancing a career in international trade with his passion for coaching rugby league, Justin aims to keep learning and growing in both roles and finding new ways to make a positive contribution.
Justin graduated with a BCom in Marketing in 2022 and is currently Pacific Representative at Tropex Exports, developing marketing campaigns, analysing consumer behaviour, and fostering key relationships. Justin also manages a small team delivering photobooths across the Auckland region.
His earlier internship with Bunnings Limited through the Tupu Toa programme highlights his capacity for strategic thinking and community engagement. He collaborated with NZ Touch and NZ Rugby to deliver community events aligned with Bunnings’ brand values.
In his community roles, Justin coaches for junior Mangere East ‘Mighty Hawks’ Rugby League, is involved with the Onehunga Toastmasters Club and actively participates in his church.
Q: How did you react when you heard you had received the award, and what does it mean to you?
I was genuinely surprised. Life has been incredibly busy since graduating, so receiving this award gave me the opportunity to pause and reflect on some of the achievements and experiences I’ve had over the years.
It was both refreshing and motivating, and it has encouraged me to keep working hard and contributing wherever I can within the community.
Q: What path have you followed since graduation?
Since graduating, I have pursued a career in international trade, specialising in exporting building materials to Samoa and American Samoa. I am passionate about supplying quality, fit-for-purpose building materials at competitive prices and helping support development projects across the region.
On weekends, I also work as part of a team delivering photobooth experiences at events throughout the Auckland region.
Alongside my professional commitments, I volunteer as a junior rugby league coach for the Mangere East Hawks Under 9s team. Coaching has been incredibly rewarding, and I enjoy watching our young players grow in confidence, develop their skills, and build strong friendships over the years. Being able to contribute to their development both on and off the field is something I take great pride in.
Q: What inspires and motivates you to work and volunteer in the areas you are involved with?
The next generation is our future. Having the opportunity to play even a small role in shaping and supporting the future of our community is incredibly rewarding.
Knowing that my efforts can make a positive impact on others is what continues to motivate me.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
This is my fourth year balancing both my professional career and coaching commitments, and I remain passionate about giving my best to both. Looking ahead, I want to continue growing, learning, and embracing the challenges that come with each role, while finding new ways to make a positive contribution.
Q: Tell us about the highlights of your time at Otago, and how it has influenced you?
There are not enough words to fully describe my Otago experience. Simply put, the student experience is unmatched.
During my time there, I experienced some of the highest highs and lowest lows, and through those experiences I developed resilience. That resilience has become one of the most valuable skills I have carried into my career and community involvement, helping me navigate challenges and thrive in a variety of environments.