The three ākonga, Ibrahim Mougari, Malina Opo, and Jireh Ngauruthe, are studying towards a New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills and building their skills constructing Kainga Ora relocatable homes on site at Unitec. They took time out from their studies to help the centre.

It was greatly appreciated by the RDA volunteers, says Unitec lecturer Angus Robertson, who were impressed by the attitude, commitment  and skills shown by theākonga.

Highlights include insightful pieces on the role of Talanoa in enhancing Pacific traditions in Aotearoa New Zealand’s tertiary education, Kaupapa Māori research, and the importance of preparing nursing professionals for an ageing population.

Five third-year Design and Contemporary Art ākonga were entered by Unitec | Te Pūkenga for this year's event: Martino Michael, Elvira Trowbridge, Damen Dooms, Alyssa Beckwith and Erin Gosselman. Martino Michael and Elvira Trowbridge both won Highly Commended Awards of $2,500 while Damen Dooms won the board's choice award of $750.