In Dec 2002, Rockwell Collins (RC) formed a Joint Venture (JV) with Air New Zealand Engineering Services (ANZES) to create an avionics maintenance workshop at Auckland Airport dedicated to RC products. Shortly after its creation, Graham became the Workshop's first Team Leader with the difficult role of reporting to the RC Manager whilst still being employed by ANZES. In addition to the occasional round of conflict resolution, Graham worked closely with both JV partners to effect a change in working culture; the 'ANZES way' being very different from that required by RC.
Leading by example, encouraging those who tried to change and challenging those who wouldn't Graham earned the respect of the Team and RC Area Management. With supportive guidance from the RC Manager and a building desire to succeed within the Team, the Workshop was internationally recognised with the 'Most Improved Service Centre of the Year' award just two years after opening.
