Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Websites
References
Timeline
Generic

Ella McConnell

Tauranga,New Zealand

Summary

Hey Team!

Awesome to meet you. My name is Ella McConnell, I am a 21 year old farm girl from Tauranga, New Zealand. A little bit about me!

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I grew up dairy farming and riding as soon as I was able to walk! Being from New Zealand many of us are from small towns, and work on family properties. I am the oldest child of three girls, my Dad always wanted top have Sons so, us girls are probably as close as you can get! My parents are 4th generation hunters and dairy farmers, and I have been taught all skills I know about the outdoors from my father and grandfather. Horses, Hunting, Farming (Ranching) and people are my passion.

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I have recently graduated college after three years with a Bachelor of Communications Degree majoring in Journalism and Marketing. Whilst being in College I have kept myself busy. I attended college in one of New Zealands biggest cities, so I used every single excuse to get out and get away from the concrete jungle… I am a farm and family girl at heart.

Our family sold its dairy farm in 2015 and took on an Outdoors Clothing Business known as Stoney Creek Outdoors. We also have a Hunting Outfitters business called Kuranui Hunting New Zealand that we have taken on since COVID. (Will tag both below)

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Working for my family business is a big thing for me, so after finding out that Lazy L&B Ranch is also run by family, that is a huge green flag. I am a massive people person and understand that when working with clients and representing a family unit you need to always uphold professionalism. Which is something that my parents have made sure to prioritise when raising us girls.

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When it comes to working, although I may be young I have been blessed to have some pretty cool experiences so far. I have been a leader at Sea View Ranch horse camp for the past three years, this camp has helped to grow my skills when working with teens and young adults. The camps are held for 7 days off the grid with 20+ campers, some of the skills I have had to learn are how to run activities such as games, riding instructing, riding guiding over the property and much more.

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Working for Stoney Creek Outdoors has also helped elevate my thinking around professionalism and the outdoor industry. Working alongside 60 staff I have discovered that I am a creative, I enjoy being outdoors, creating social content, editing videos etc. I have worked in marketing and helped with company social media and website creation! Whilst also doing a bit of Public relations for our businesses. These skills I have been taught through my college degree, and borough into my place of work.

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Working for a Hunting outfitters has been one of the most exciting parts of my journey yet. We have a property where American/Overseas clients come to hunt Red Stag whilst being hosted by our team and staff of 10. This job includes guiding the clients through their hunting experience, pest control, hosting and serving clients, cleaning, taking guided horse rides/tacking up, and typical daily jobs such as fire wood etc.

My newest challenge has been working in the thorughbred horse breeding industry for the last couple seasons at Waikato Stud NZ. The ethics behind the business are very similar to the likes of SeaView Ranch, Stoney Creek and Kuranui. Waikato Stud is a family operated business by another well - known New Zealand family with 70 staff to work alongside. I have spent time hosting their high-end clients, with experience in serving, cleaning, hosting, and touring.

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In my spare time I take huge joy in taking my non-horsey friends and giving them the rural outdoors experience, whether it be leading them around in circles on an arena or seeing them lope for the first time up a hill. I am a natural leader, and enjoy teaching people. Patience is a massive virtue I have found throughout my time working with teens and clients!

Personally the most horse riding that I do is long treks through farmland. I have done Pony Club and have up to my C+ achievement (I’m not sure if the USA has this… But thought I would add!) I am a confident rider through any terrain and will be willing to get on any horse. I’m 21 years old so tend to bounce pretty well when thrown off…. Haha! In New Zealand we tend to naturally lean towards the English style of riding, but I have recently brought a western saddle for my 15.2hh Palamino Sonny. (I can’t believe how comfortable a western saddle is compared to an English saddle! I’m never going back….!)

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It has always been a dream of mine to move away from home for a couple months and venture out of my home town. I have travelled through the United States with Kuranui Hunting outfitters working in trade shows throughout states such as Nevada, Texas, Tennessee, Colorado and upstate New York. So Travel isn’t foreign to me, but I have always dreamed of seeing Wyoming since I was a little girl. I didn’t ever think that I would have the opportunity to be able to venture out into the world to be honest, let alone work with people/on horses! But have decided there is no time like the present. So here I am.

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I hope I didn’t ramble to much in this cover letter… But thank you for taking the time to read and consider my application. I have attached the links to the websites of my past employers, whilst also tagging in my personal instagram for further investigation!

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Thank you so much.

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Kind regards,

Ella McConnell.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Hunting Guide

Kuranui Estate New Zealand
Tirau, New Zealand
01.2022 - Current
  • Managed client expectations and safety protocols while on hunting trips.
  • Organized and maintained equipment for guided hunts.
  • Provided guidance to clients in selecting appropriate firearms, ammunition, and clothing items.
  • Instructed clients on the proper use of firearms, including loading, unloading, sighting-in, and shooting techniques.
  • Lead scouting missions to identify potential hunting sites based on wildlife population estimates and seasonal movements.
  • Established a variety of bait stations to attract game animals for guided hunts.
  • Assisted with tracking wounded game by following blood trails or other signs.
  • Conducted post-hunt field dressing of harvested animals for transport back to camp or lodge.
  • Communicated effectively with state wildlife officials regarding regulations, bag limits, license requirements.
  • Educated clients about local flora and fauna as well as the ecology of their habitats.
  • Advised groups on camping gear selection to ensure they are prepared for any weather conditions encountered in the wilderness areas.
  • Monitored weather patterns and made adjustments to planned itineraries when necessary due to inclement conditions or other factors.
  • Maintained detailed records of daily activities such as number of hunters, guests served per day, amount of game taken, released during each hunt.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in orienteering skills such as map reading and navigation using compasses and GPS systems.
  • Identified hazards associated with various terrain types and took steps to mitigate risks accordingly.
  • Operated all-terrain vehicles, boats, snowmobiles., safely and efficiently during guided excursions.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable health and safety regulations at all times while leading hunts.
  • Displayed strong public speaking skills and communication abilities to facilitate highest quality tour for guests.
  • Built detailed knowledge on locations and points of interest to thoroughly answer guest questions.
  • Greeted and assisted customers with booking reservations and answering additional questions, both in person and over phone.

Horse Riding Guide

Kuranui Estate New Zealand
Tirau, New Zealand
01.2021 - Current
  • Planned and taught individual and group lessons to riders of all ages and abilities.
  • Organized, supervised, and evaluated horse riding activities in a safe environment.
  • Provided instruction on proper techniques for mounting, dismounting, controlling the horse, steering, speed control, and stopping.
  • Demonstrated different riding styles such as Western or English riding.
  • Instructed students on basic horse care such as grooming, tacking up and cooling down horses after exercise.
  • Assisted with the selection of appropriate equipment for each student's needs.
  • Monitored progress of students by providing feedback during lessons and evaluating performance at regular intervals.
  • Maintained records of lesson plans and student progress for evaluation purposes.
  • Performed basic maintenance tasks around the stables such as mucking out stalls, filling hay nets and cleaning tack.
  • Participated in competitions to demonstrate skills learned from lessons given.
  • Inspected horses before use to ensure they are fit for purpose and safe to ride.
  • Ensured that safety guidelines were followed at all times while teaching classes or giving private lessons.
  • Developed lesson plans tailored to meet the needs of each rider according to their level of experience.
  • Assessed students' physical capabilities prior to starting a lesson plan in order to determine what type of activities would be suitable for them.
  • Encouraged riders to practice outside class time in order to further develop their skills.
  • Organized special events such as trail rides, drill team performances or other shows.

Home Cleaner

Prestine Home Groomers
Tauranga, New Zealand
07.2019 - 08.2024
  • Swept, mopped, and vacuumed floors in residential homes.
  • Dusted furniture, shelves, and baseboards.
  • Cleaned bathrooms including toilets, showers and tubs, mirrors, and sinks.
  • Sanitized kitchen surfaces such as countertops, tables, and appliances.
  • Washed windows inside and outside of the home.
  • Emptied trash cans and replaced liners.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by using proper cleaning products according to instructions.
  • Provided quality service that meets or exceeds customer expectations.
  • Gathered necessary supplies for each job prior to arriving at the home.
  • Checked areas for damages prior to commencing work.
  • Informed customers of any issues found while performing services.
  • Followed safety procedures when handling hazardous materials.
  • Performed deep cleaning tasks such as shampooing carpets or scrubbing tile grout.
  • Disinfected all high-touch areas including doorknobs, light switches, counters.
  • Replenished consumables such as toilet paper and hand soap when necessary.
  • Restocked linen closet with fresh towels upon request.
  • Adhered to company policies regarding the use of equipment and supplies.
  • Reported any damage found during services to supervisor immediately.
  • Moved beds, sofas and small furniture to wipe down baseboards and remove dust and dirt from hard-to-reach areas.
  • Interacted pleasantly with clients and guests when performing daily duties.
  • Vacuumed floors and dusted furniture to maintain organized, professional appearance.
  • Reported maintenance concerns or repairs to appropriate supervisor for prompt remediation.
  • Waxed and polished wood furnishings to restore faded appearance.

Marketing Intern

Stoney Creek Outdoors
Tauranga, New Zealand
11.2018 - 02.2024
  • Developed content and promotional materials for various campaigns.
  • Created and executed social media strategies to increase customer engagement.
  • Researched competitors' marketing strategies and tactics.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify potential opportunities.
  • Managed email lists using a CRM system.
  • Optimized website content for better search engine visibility.
  • Prepared presentations summarizing research findings.
  • Monitored online conversations related to brand and product mentions.
  • Developed content strategy to increase social media followers and engagement.
  • Created content for various platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.
  • Collaborated with marketing team to develop creative campaigns and strategies.
  • Monitored analytics and metrics to evaluate the performance of campaigns.
  • Researched trending topics related to target audience.
  • Coordinated with graphic designers to create visuals for posts.
  • Scheduled posts on a daily basis across all social media channels.
  • Reviewed user feedback and comments to improve content quality.
  • Analyzed competitors' activities on different platforms for benchmarking purposes.
  • Responded promptly to customer queries on social media accounts.
  • Participated in weekly meetings with stakeholders to discuss progress of campaigns.
  • Executed A and B testing methods for optimizing content performance.
  • Worked closely with other departments such as sales, customer service and product teams.
  • Brainstormed ideas for new video concepts and stories.
  • Generated reports regarding the success of social media initiatives.
  • Identified influencers in niche industries who could be potential partners or brand ambassadors.
  • Used social media to engage consumers, respond to questions or complaints and promote company initiatives.
  • Stayed up-to-date on social media and digital content trends to engage on trending topics and share best practices.
  • Organized giveaways or contests on social networks as part of promotional activities.
  • Updated website blog with fresh content regularly.
  • Tracked performance of social content using native platform analytics, various social listening tools and regular reports to inform strategy.
  • Managed social media responses by escalating comments and inquiries to appropriate personnel or departments.
  • Monitored social media and company website metrics to design and implement improvements.
  • Liaised with marketing team to pitch, produce and share engaging content on emerging social platforms.
  • Collaborated with internal departments to establish campaign objectives, complete tasks and identify and solve problems.
  • Created new ideas, products and story boards for new marketing campaigns.
  • Developed content strategies for social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  • Created compelling visuals to accompany written content.
  • Researched topics related to the brand's industry to develop original content ideas.
  • Edited videos using Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects software.
  • Collaborated with other departments in order to ensure content was consistent with the brand's messaging.
  • Managed multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines.

Social Media Marketing Intern

Netball New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
01.2021 - 08.2023
  • Developed content for social media campaigns targeting various audiences.
  • Monitored competitor activities on social media channels.
  • Managed customer service inquiries through social media platforms in a timely manner.
  • Coordinated with internal teams to ensure consistency across all marketing efforts.
  • Collaborated with design team to create visuals that enhance brand identity.
  • Identified opportunities for improvement within existing strategies.
  • Generated ideas for creative content initiatives.
  • Monitored Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms to build customer connections.
  • Focused on growing social media presence through engaging content and using data and customer insights to guide process.
  • Utilized Twitter and Facebook to promote products, services and content.
  • Suggested improvements to enhance customer experience on social platforms and internal processes.
  • Employed storytelling for digital content and developed unique campaigns to promote brand engagement.
  • Engaged with clients and answered queries to promote brand-focused interactive and engaging content.
  • Scheduled content for publication on social media at ideal times.
  • Wrote and uploaded quality posts for client's various social media pages, improving overall traffic.
  • Engaged with and responded to online audience through relevant comments.
  • Monitored and participated in online conversation to build brand visibility.
  • Communicated clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Utilized graphic design software to prepare storyboards and mock-ups.
  • Created engaging visuals for use in social posts, such as infographics, videos, GIFs.
  • Managed multiple accounts simultaneously using tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social.
  • Organized giveaways and contests to increase followership and engagement levels.
  • Worked closely with design teams to produce creative assets optimized for each platform.
  • Developed social media initiatives and created daily content on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and emerging social platforms to engage current fans and acquire new ones.
  • Generated ideas and innovated social media marketing strategies for different brands and platforms.

Client Host

Waikato Stud NZ
Matamata, New Zealand
10.2022 - 02.2023
  • Greeted visitors in a professional manner and provided assistance with inquiries.
  • Organized and conducted daily tours for groups of up to 30 people.
  • Maintained a positive attitude and enthusiasm when interacting with guests.
  • Followed safety protocols at all times while guiding guests through the tour areas.
  • Prepared tables for meals by setting up items such as linens, silverware, and glassware.
  • Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
  • Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
  • Organize decorations and materials for events.
  • Help coordinate transportation needs for guests if needed.

Horse Riding Guide

Sea View Ranch
KatiKati, New Zealand
01.2019 - 01.2022
  • Greeted guests upon arrival and provided them with necessary safety instructions.
  • Regularly groomed and exercised horses, ensuring they were healthy and properly fed.
  • Maintained a safe riding environment by adhering to safety protocols.
  • Performed basic health care for horses such as administering medications, cleaning wounds and providing hoof care.
  • Provided advice to riders on how to improve their skills and develop better control over their mounts.
  • Monitored horse behavior during rides and took appropriate action if any issues arose.
  • Ensured that tack was fitted correctly on each horse before every ride.
  • Conducted regular maintenance checks on equipment used in equestrian activities, replacing worn parts as needed.
  • Inspected fences regularly to ensure they were secure enough to keep horses safely contained.
  • Taught beginner lessons to children interested in learning how to ride a horse.
  • Demonstrated proper mounting techniques to new riders so they could gain confidence quickly.
  • Assisted with loading horses onto trailers for transport to competitions or other locations.
  • Communicated effectively with clients regarding their needs and expectations related to horse care.
  • Prepared horses for travel.
  • Mucked stalls and cleared manure out of paddocks.
  • Exercised strong leadership skills and practiced self-discipline on and off field.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.

Education

Bachelor of Communications - Journalism And Advertising

Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, New Zealand
10-2023

High School Diploma -

Bethlehem College
Tauranga, New Zealand
10-2020

Skills

  • Physical Fitness
  • Field Dressing
  • Client Communication
  • Vehicle Operation
  • Firearm Safety
  • Terrain Navigation
  • Conservation Practices
  • Camouflage Techniques
  • Land Navigation
  • Group Leadership
  • Group Tours
  • Equipment Inspection
  • Social Media
  • Event Planning
  • Staff Management
  • GPS Navigation
  • Excellent Communication
  • Public Speaking
  • Presentation Skills
  • Problem-Solving Abilities
  • Tourism Management
  • Team Building
  • Professionalism
  • Reliability
  • Marketing
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Company Branding
  • Team Collaboration
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Creative Cloud Expert
  • Photography Background
  • Final Cut Pro
  • Camera Operation
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Video Editing
  • Interviewing Strength
  • Content Creation
  • Audience Engagement
  • Social Media Engagement
  • Group Instruction
  • Client Relationship Building
  • Safety Awareness

Affiliations

  • Horse Riding and Guiding
  • Social Media
  • Content Creation
  • Client Hosting
  • Adobe
  • Hunting Guiding
  • Sport
  • Volunteering
  • Camping
  • Horse Grooming
  • Photography
  • Videography
  • Hiking

Accomplishments

2018-

  • NZ NCEA Level One - Excellence Endorsed
  • Distinction in Textiles Technology
  • Distinction in Art
  • A grade Touch rugby Sports team captain
  • A grade Netball Sports team captain
  • Pony club team captain
  • Pony Club certificate D
  • Pony Club ODE best routine
  • Cross country team
  • Secondary school athletics
  • Secondary school cross country

2019 -

  • NZ NCEA Level Two - Merit Endorsed
  • Distinction in Textiles Technology
  • A grade Touch rugby Sports team captain
  • A grade touch rugby team nationals
  • Premier One Netball Sports team
  • Pony club team captain
  • Pony Club certificate D+
  • Pony Club certificate C
  • Pony Club ODE team winner
  • Pony Club ODE best jumper
  • Pony Club best ODE routine
  • Cross country team
  • Highschool House Captain
  • Highschool House Shield winner “Best house”
  • Secondary school athletics
  • Secondary school cross country

2020 -

  • NZ NCEA Level Three.
  • NZ University entrance
  • A grade Touch rugby Sports team
  • A grade touch rugby team nationals
  • Premier One Netball Sports team co-captain
  • Premier One Netball UNISS nationals
  • Premier One Netball team award “Most Valuable Player”
  • Premier One Basketball team
  • Premier One Basketball team award “players player”
  • Secondary school athletics

High school graduate class of 2020.

2021-2023

  • Auckland University of Technology Graduate: Bachelor of Communications degree. Majoring in Journalism and Advertising.
  • University Sports Team(s)
  • Working at Waikato Stud horse breeders
  • Attending high priority horse racing events/banquets.
  • Working at Kurnaui Hunting outfitters
  • Guiding Riding Tours for Kuranui Outfitters.
  • Volunteering at Seaview Ranch Horse Camp Guiding Tours.
  • Working at Stoney Creek Outdoors
  • Travel for DSC, SCI convention 2024 (USA - Texas, Nevada, Colorado, Tennessee, upstate New York)
  • Volunteering at Youth With a Mission Baja California.

Certification

  • NZ Firearms License
  • NZ Full Drivers License
  • PADI Deep Sea Diving License
  • NZ Pony Club Certificate
  • NZ First Aid Course

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Client Host

Waikato Stud NZ
10.2022 - 02.2023

Hunting Guide

Kuranui Estate New Zealand
01.2022 - Current

Horse Riding Guide

Kuranui Estate New Zealand
01.2021 - Current

Social Media Marketing Intern

Netball New Zealand
01.2021 - 08.2023

Home Cleaner

Prestine Home Groomers
07.2019 - 08.2024

Horse Riding Guide

Sea View Ranch
01.2019 - 01.2022

Marketing Intern

Stoney Creek Outdoors
11.2018 - 02.2024

Bachelor of Communications - Journalism And Advertising

Auckland University of Technology

High School Diploma -

Bethlehem College

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Ella McConnell