Wellington On a Plate boss Sarah Meikle on finding her chill in a fiery industry

Wednesday, 13 September 2023

Sarah Meikle has just finished one of her busiest times of the year. Burger Wellington, part of the capital’s Wellington on a Plate (WoaP) festival, ran throughout the month of August, seeing more than 200 venues sling thousands of burgers to burger-curious patrons. It’s one of the biggest food events in Aotearoa, and Meikle, as head of WoaP’s parent organisation Wellington Culinary Events Trust, is in charge of the whole shebang.

She’s rejuvenating with lots of walks around the city’s hills with her ageing dog and a committed supplement regimen, but says balance is a constant focus for her.

“I think for most of us striking a work/life balance is always the biggest challenge but one that I am committed to,” she says.

“I’m an active relaxer so it’s not so much about reading a book on the couch as it is about water-blasting the deck! I find my calm when I have good balance.”

Read on to find out how the 47-year-old keeps that calm even at the busiest of times – and while working in hospitality, one of the world’s least relaxing industries.

What do you do for a living?

I’m the chief Eexecutive of the Wellington Culinary Events Trust. We are responsible for delivering some of New Zealand’s biggest food and drink events including Visa Wellington On a Plate and Beervana. I also consult to Regional Authorities, and for food and drink products around New Zealand and overseas through Food + Drink New Zealand.

What hours do you work each day?

I work a pretty standard work week but there’s a fair bit of extra time come festival season! We have two editions of Visa Wellington On a Plate ‒ in both May and August, and I’m also at Beervana with my team.

Do you have set work/life boundaries or do they merge?

I am pretty committed to exercise before work and try to get out of the office at a reasonable time each night. I like to lead by example. When you work with and around the hospitality industry, it’s hard for it not to merge, but I do like to switch off in my own time.

What time do you wake up?

6.15am to take Ruby my dog for a walk down to Island Bay beach.

What do you have for breakfast?

The breakfast of champions! Two Weetbix and fruit.

Do you have an exercise routine, if so what is it?

Yes. I walk Ruby most mornings for about 40 minutes. She’s getting old now so on the mornings that she’s not keen, I find a hill and walk up it. On Fridays I do a metabolic class at a small, private gym.

Do you use supplements?

Yes. I take Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin C and Vitamin D every day.

Whose advice/influence do you genuinely value and listen to when it comes to wellbeing and taking care of yourself?

Common sense? Don’t eat rubbish … it’s bad for you! I try and make everything from scratch and limit junk food. I think it’s just the voice of reason!

What pillar of life causes you the most stress ‒ work, family, finances, health?

I’m incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful supportive family so there’s not much stress there.

And what do you do to manage it?

With Covid out of our lives I am investing a lot more time in my number one passion, travel, which helps me with that balance.

What time do you go to bed at night? Do you sleep soundly?

I try and head to bed by 10pm each night and fortunately I am a pretty good sleeper.

What do you do in the final hour before bed?

Watch a bit of TV usually. It’s a good way to switch off.

What do you spend on your wellbeing?

Time … going for walks. It’s a great way to blow away those cobwebs…particularly in Wellington!

How do you deal with the stress of failure?

I talk to people. A problem shared is a problem halved…it’s a cliché, but it’s true. Don’t bottle it up. That will not help.

And how do you deal with stressed employees, colleagues?

Listen to them – get them to share what they want. Reassurance and support is so important. No-one is an island; they are part of a team.

What do you do for fun?

Cook, travel, socialise, spend time with friends and family. I have a real passion for India, so spend as much time there as possible.

Favourite free stress-buster?

Walking Ruby!

What’s been the biggest change you’ve made when it comes to looking after your health and mental health and wellbeing?

I have had a few friends experience some pretty major health issues in the last few years, so it’s made me take my own health a lot more seriously. I now schedule regular check-ups to keep on top of my own health. Also recognising the signs when you need a rest.