Graham Ropata

Entrepreneur, pastor and practical experience contributor

Graham Ropata was born in Akaroa on New Zealand's South Island. His biography in Dream Big And Act Fast describes a varied working life that includes self-employment in building, commercial fishing, diving for pāua, taxidermy, meat works, pastoral work and captaining a tourist vessel.

Graham's contribution emphasizes what he learned through those experiences rather than through formal school qualifications. Reset Your Perspective! connects demanding practical situations with the questions of belonging, responsibility and what a person can offer others.

Christian faith and ministry form part of the perspective he shares. The chapter considers how an experience or a change in interpretation can open a different direction, especially when someone feels uncertain of their place.

Graham writes from a life spent taking on unfamiliar tasks and learning through work. His contribution introduces the background behind his encouragement to recognize useful experience, develop a plan and become someone who can support another person's progress.