Te Hurinui Retimana (Te Whānau-a-Apanui and Ngāpuhi) also known as Te for short, is on an exciting pathway to trade success. Te is currently completing the last year of his building apprenticeship with Construction Management Group (CMG) under the guidance of David Parsons, Kaitohutohu Ahumahi at MPTT and Te’s BCITO training advisor.
Te Hurinui is an MPTT carpentry graduate from 2021. The switched-on 22-year-old from West Auckland has his eye firmly on the future and remains determined, despite some challenges, to put in the mahi and become a fully qualified builder.
“It can be tough being an apprentice, you don’t earn that much money at first, and everything costs, but it’s a mindset of getting through it for a few years for long-term gain. I’m committed to that, and sticking at it for the future.” Te says.
The positive impact of Te Āo Māori
Te Āo Māori had a big impact on Te when he was growing up and as a result, he’s a fluent reo speaker. “I was lucky te reo was my first language growing up as a young fella. I was raised in Kura kaupapa (Māori schools) and my siblings and me would talk Māori at home cause we were so used to it. This is a Whakatauki I’ve always stuck by, ‘aroha atu aroha mai’, which means to give love is to gain love, “ says Te.
Choosing the right trade
Born and raised in Sunnyvale out West, Te and his whānau later moved North to Whangarei. While Te was growing up his Dad was always into woodwork. Te believes that spending time with his Father on the tools helped shape his career pathway.
Before deciding to do pre-trades training in Construction and Carpentry in Year 13, Te liked the idea of being a Mechanical Engineer, he’d heard ME’s made really good money, but when he looked into it further he decided that building was a better fit.
“I figured out that I’m better suited to building. I really enjoy the work, it just feels easy and natural and I think it’s important to like the work you do.”
When he moved back to West Auckland, Te chose to do his pre-trades training in Construction at Unitec and was accepted into the MPTT Scholarship Programme – which covered all his course fees and connected him to an Ākonga Navigator for additional work readiness skills and career support.
Overcoming obstacles and challenges
Partway through Te’s pre-trades training, the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns took their toll financially. To get back on track, Te took a short break from his studies to earn some cash, working in his whānau’s business. Thanks to Te’s resilience and determination, he returned to Unitec and finished his course.
Support from MPTT helped Te achieve his goals, but the hard mahi and dedication belong solely to him.
“The meet-ups at mārae, group talks, hearing other people’s stories, making connections, it was really inspiring and encouraging.”
An apprenticeship with CMG
After finishing his pre-trades training, Te secured a building apprenticeship with CMG. A typical building apprenticeship takes 3-4 years, and Te is over halfway through his New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4). Before Te started at CMG, the MPTT Scholarship Programme provided a $1000 tool grant to take some of the financial pressure off and ensure that he had everything he needed on-site.
“I’ve been with CMG for a while now and it’s been really good. We mainly work on schools and also IHC houses which are for special needs. It’s a good workplace to learn, gain knowledge, and experience. We do all types of work from renovations to new builds and also extensions,” says Te.
David Parsons is an Industry Advisor at MPTT and a key member of the team. He’s also Te’s BCITO training advisor and mentor. “Dave looks after me and all the apprentices at CMG. He assesses the 3604 Building Code and makes sure we’re all safe and understand the construction process. He’s also there to help if we have any questions or problems.” Te says.
The advisory and BCITO training role that Dave Parson provides is a critical part of supporting the next generation of Māori and Pasifika tradies. “Dave Redmond of CMG has been a great supporter of MPTT ākonga through our local NZMA provider at Hoani Waititi Marae. It’s a great privilege being Te’s training advisor,“ Dave Parson says.
Looking to the future
Looking ahead, Te sees himself owning his own business, leading a crew, and making a mark in the construction industry. In the shorter term, Te’s aspirations are clear – finish his apprenticeship, get trade-qualified, spend some time as a foreman to master his trade, before building a legacy as a successful Māori business owner.
Kia kaha Te!
For more stories like this or to find out more about a career in construction click here. To find out more about the MPTT scholarship and how to apply click here.