Positive support for Maori trade and industry graduates

^{31 August 2012}

Members of the trade and construction industry have responded positively to a challenge to support apprenticeship and employment opportunities for Maori trade and industry graduates.

This follows a successful trade training focussed dinner hosted last night by Unitec Institute of Technology Chief Executive, Dr. Rick Ede.

The event aims to create a network among employers, graduates and tertiary sector organisations and was opened by Minister of Maori Affairs and Trade, Hon Dr. Pita Sharples.

Pictured: Hon Dr Pita Sharples, M.I.T graduate Mr James Lee and Unitec Chief Executive Dr Rick Ede

[Photo credit: Keir Toto, Waha Productions]

Hawkins Construction, one of New Zealand’s largest, privately owned, construction companies was represented by Auckland Project Director, Mark Katterns. 

Pictured: Mark Katterns

[Photo: supplied by Hawkins Construction]

Mark says, "Hawkins is delighted to support this initiative and sees value in building collaborative relationships with the MITE (Maori into Tertiary Education) project, other partner organisations, and working with industry to support the graduates themselves - they're our future experts and personnel".

Graduates and Students enjoying the Trade Training Dinner

Pictured (L-R): Toa-Ariki Clausen (Unitec), Jay Beamsley (Unitec),

Jamal Gardiner (MIT), Pania Whare (Unitec) and Rewi Christie (MIT)

[Photo credit: Keir Toto, Waha Productions]

The dinner also reflected on the former Maori Affairs Trade Training Scheme.  This ran during the 1950-1980’s period and provided thousands of Maori (and in later years, Pacific Island people) with trade training qualifications, apprenticeship and employment opportunities.

Trades Industry Event at Unitec – Friday, 31 August

Following the dinner, a Trades Industry “taster” event is being held today.

This was organised by MITE in collaboration with Unitec, Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), Te Wananga o Aotearoa and trade and industry employers for over 150 graduates and potential future Maori trade and construction students.

 (Pictured: Daniel Phillips)

Daniel Phillips is a current Maori student studying toward a Diploma in Civil Engineering at Unitec.

He sees immense benefits arising from the Trades Industry Event and says “it provides an excellent opportunity for young Maori students to get a taste of what’s on offer in trade and industry - it will also help them think about how a program of study will assist in achieving their goals”.

ENDS.

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Media inquiries:

Mahau Kingi

Unitec Corporate Communications Advisor

Tel:                  (09) 815 4321 Ext 8744

Cell:                021 236 9115

Email:             mkingi@unitec.ac.nz

Maria Paenga

Project Lead – Maori into Tertiary Education (MITE)

Tel:      (09) 255 6795

Cell:    027 612 1282