Former Hillcrest High School student Cam Ward has built a career focused on making communities safer, more connected, and more active through his work with Hamilton City Council.
Now working as the Senior School Travel Coordinator, Cam acts as the link between schools and council project teams, helping advocate for transport and safety improvements that benefit students and school communities across Hamilton.
His role involves a wide variety of work — from supporting major infrastructure projects such as upgrades around the new Peanut Roundabout and Morrinsville Road, through to smaller but important safety improvements for schools. One example close to home for the Hillcrest community was helping support the upgrade of the school crossing from a zebra crossing to the current signalised traffic light crossing.
“It’s essentially a public relations and advocacy role,” Cam explains. “I help schools navigate council processes and push for projects that improve safety for students and their communities.”
Alongside infrastructure projects, Cam and his team also run programmes that encourage active travel and student wellbeing, including Movin’ March, Walking School Buses, and Kids on Bikes — a programme teaching young people safe cycling skills.
One of Cam’s proudest career moments came from completing a challenging safety project for a local primary school while working with a very limited budget.
“It was stressful and required a lot of thinking outside the box, but in the end it became a real game changer for the school and made the area much safer for the community.”
Outside of work, Cam has continued his strong connection to sport. A former New Zealand Under-20 representative, he enjoyed a long playing career with Waikato and club volleyball in Hamilton. More recently, he celebrated winning the Waikato league title with Hillcrest as a coach — a moment he describes as particularly meaningful.
Cam says his time at Hillcrest played a major role in shaping both his career direction and outlook on life.
“I loved my time at Hillcrest. The school has such a diverse mixture of people, and that really sets students up well for the real world.”
Some of his fondest memories include Outdoor Education trips in Year 12, adventure racing around Tarawera, caving, kayaking, and especially the volleyball experiences that helped shape his passion for the sport.
“Nationals were always high pressure but epic. We travelled to Australia as a team and also did heaps of road trips around the North Island playing the best volleyball schools. Those small trips with your mates are memories that stick with you.”
Cam credits former staff members including Brett “Chibby” Chibnall, Campbell Howlett, Colleen McIlory, and Himi for having a lasting impact on him, particularly through volleyball.
“Their passion for the game was infectious. I fell in love with volleyball because of them, and I hope I can have a similar impact on the players I coach now.”
Reflecting on his journey so far, Cam encourages current students to get involved and take opportunities when they arise.
“Support the younger generations coming up behind you. You’d be surprised at the impact you can have simply by giving people your time and showing interest. That’s what helps build strong culture and community.”
Looking ahead, Cam says he is happy continuing to do meaningful work while remaining involved in the sport and community he loves — although he admits he would not mind adding a national title with Hillcrest volleyball to the list of achievements in the years ahead.
