ABOUT Māori AND PASIFIKA TRADES TRAINING
Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Auckland is a group of training and industry organisations working together to help Māori and Pasifika become leaders in the trades. With partnerships throughout the industry, we combine trades training with mentoring and financial support, and connect trainees with employers to take them right into the heart of their chosen trade.
What we do
- We offer trainees practical support to build their careers – including free fees, a tools kete including life and work readiness skills, and help finding work.
- Our “Navigators” guide trainees through their training and beyond, encouraging them to aim high and continually develop their skills.
- We partner with training and industry organisations to connect trainees with those in the know about their chosen trade.
- We work closely with employers to help meet the growing demand for skilled tradespeople in Auckland.
- Since we started in 2015, we’ve helped more than 3,213 trainees learn a trade, and 56% (as of end of 2018) of our graduates are now in apprenticeships, trades-related employment or further study.
What we value
- Whakamana– Conducting relationships in ways that enhance the mana and mauri of everyone involved.
- Kia ngatai to waihoe – Recognising the value in each other’s strengths and the importance of working together.
- Whaia to iti Kahurangi – Commitment to the highest standard and best practice.
- Ehara taku toa takitahi, engari he toa takimano – Leadership strength based on relevance, accessibility and quality.
- Kai pumai kit e kaupapa – A foundation of trust, integrity and commitment to Maori and Pasifika education and training.
Read more about MPTT Auckland’s purpose and values in our charter or download our strategic presenter.
HOW WE’RE FUNDED
There’s a shortage of qualified tradespeople in Aotearoa and an increasing number of jobs in the industry. At the same time, Māori and Pasifika are underrepresented in skilled trades positions. To help fill the skills gap, the Tertiary Education Commission has given us Government funding to help young Māori and Pasifika build a career in their chosen trade.
OUR PEOPLEMPTT Auckland is a team effort. Meet the people who are helping our trainees become leaders in the trades.
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mana whakahaere - ambassadors
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Tuwhakairiora (Tu) Williams Mana Whakahaere Māori
Tu (Whakatohea, Ngai Tai, Ngāti Porou) has a strong family history in the trades, beginning with his grandfather who was a Master Builder. Now serving as Mana Whakahaere (ambassador) for MPTT, he has an extensive background in the health and education sectors.
Tu says MPTT is a great opportunity for Māori and Pacific youth. “These young people will be able to provide a more secure future for themselves and their families. The trades industry will benefit as more people gain the skills required to meet demand. MPTT is good for the industry, good for the economy and good for the country.”
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Issac Liava'a Mana Whakahaere Pasifika
With a background in scaffolding and construction, Issac now uses his industry knowledge as a consultant. The Tongan New Zealander has been involved with MPTT from the beginning, and says the programme helps Māori and Pasifika learn sought-after skills. “It also offers the opportunity to learn and earn without getting into student debt, and practical hands-on learning which suits a lot of our trainees.”
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Board Members
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Stuart Lawrence Chairperson
Stuart has been involved with MPTT for more than a decade through his previous role at Skills, where he worked to increase Māori participation and success across the organisation. Passionate about advancing education, employment and enterprise for Māori and Pasifika, Stuart wants to use his role to better inform whānau about the trades. “I want to understand the aspirations of our whānau and then support their aspirations,” he says. “MPTT informs in a language that fits our audience. It also understands the culture and for that reason can empathise with our tauira.” Outside of work, Stuart enjoys chilling out with his whānau, playing tennis and getting involved in community projects.
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Huia Hawke Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
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Wiremu Manaia MIT
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Monique Le Marque PTE Representative
Monique is Head of Partner Engagement at UP Education. She says MPTT is a life-changing opportunity, not only for trainees but for their whānau and community, and has a significant impact on the New Zealand economy as well. “A trade qualification is a passport that can open numerous doors. Tradespeople are in huge demand and have amazing earning potential. With equal measures of elbow grease, perseverance and aspiration, you could someday own your own business and have true financial freedom.”
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Dr Falaniko Tominiko ITP Representative
Falaniko has been involved with MPTT from the beginning, through his work supporting Pacific trades students at Unitec. As a member of MPTT’s board, he hopes to see more and more Māori and Pasifika students join the trades each year. “MPTT is important because it helps and encourages Māori and Pacific people to gain great careers in the trades and earn good money to support their families.”
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Gary Sue ITO Representative
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Tuwhakairiora (Tu) Williams Māori Advisory Representative
Tu (Whakatohea, Ngai Tai, Ngāti Porou) has a strong family history in the trades, beginning with his grandfather who was a Master Builder. Now serving as Mana Whakahaere (ambassador) for MPTT, he has an extensive background in the health and education sectors.
Tu says MPTT is a great opportunity for Māori and Pacific youth. “These young people will be able to provide a more secure future for themselves and their families. The trades industry will benefit as more people gain the skills required to meet demand. MPTT is good for the industry, good for the economy and good for the country.”
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Issac Liava'a Pasifika Advisory Representative
With a background in scaffolding and construction, Issac now uses his industry knowledge as a consultant. The Tongan New Zealander has been involved with MPTT from the beginning, and says the programme helps Māori and Pasifika learn sought-after skills. “It also offers the opportunity to learn and earn without getting into student debt, and practical hands-on learning which suits a lot of our trainees.”
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Nancy McConnell Hawkins & Downer
Nancy is our Deputy Chair. She has been involved in the construction industry all her life. She grew up working at the McConnell’s family-owned construction company during school holidays, and now uses her extensive industry experience as a Strategic Advisor with Hawkins and parent company, Downer NZ. She says becoming a quality tradesperson should be worn as a badge of pride. “In my experience, our education system has failed many Māori and Pasifika students and, in turn, their families. The MPTT programme provides a fantastic opportunity for the young, and not so young, to kick-start a career in construction.”
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Travis Timoko TWoA
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Tevita Funakai The Fono
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John Chapman Combined Services Group Representative
After leaving school, John (Ngāti Tūwharetoa rāua ko Whakatōhea nga Iwi) spent seven years in the trades industry and ran a swimming pool renovation business with his wife. Having worked in youth and community development for the past 15 years, John says the MPTT programme is helping create social change. “Māori and Pasifika have an over-representation in unemployment statistics. Therefore it seems a natural fit that we help our people fill the gap, and in turn improve other social issues we face.” He advises young people considering a trade to give it a go for at least three months. “If you don’t like it, move on until you find your ideal job. If you do like it, dedicate three to five years to that trade. This foundation will set you up for the rest of your life. You can stick with it and become a business owner, you can go away and try other things, always knowing you can get back on the tools any time and there will be a need for your services.”
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project team
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Sam Sefuiva MPTT Project Manager
Sam is the former New Zealand Human Rights Commission’s Principal Advisor Race Relations. He worked with other public and community agencies in the mid-1970s to promote the work of the former Māori Trades Training Scheme in the 1970s, and in 1986 he helped found the Pacific Business Trust.
He says the current MPTT programme is creating direct pathways into the trades for Māori and Pasifika Aucklanders. “All our efforts are to get Aucklanders of Māori and Pacific heritage into the trades to be independent, make good choices and benefit themselves, their families and our Pasifika community.”
Sam encourages those considering learning a trade to take advantage of the demand for a skilled workforce. “Here is a chance to take your future into your own hands, gain a skill that has worth, and have the choice to build a career, support your family and create your own lifestyle.”
027 477 2086
Email Sam -
Monalisa Owen MPTT Project Coordinator
With years of experience working in tertiary education, Monalisa has been encouraging Māori and Pasifika tauira to sign up for MPTT since the programme began in 2015 – well before she officially joined the team.
“MPTT provides an excellent opportunity for Māori and Pasifika and is invested in each trainee to really succeed in their trades journey,” she says.
Monalisa, who is Samoan, previously lived and worked in South Korea before taking on roles at Auckland University and Manukau Institute of Technology, and is now a vital part of our project office. “I like to help others, so I hope through my involvement I can do just that,” she says.
022 305 6924
Email Monalisa -
Shelley Riley MPTT Project Coordinator
Shelley has family roots in the trades – her dad is a qualified fitter and turner, while her brother is a boat builder who worked on the Emirates Team New Zealand boat.
After working in trades education at MIT, she joined MPTT to use her experience to help more Māori and Pasifika into the trades. Shelley’s advice to those considering a career in the trades is to dive in and get started.
“There will never be a perfect time, so why put it off? Nobody can take your trade away from you, and once you have your qualification you’ll never look back.”
Email Shelley
022 305 6924 -
Douglas Leef Kaitohutohu Ahumahi/Community Industry Advisor
I te taha o tōku Pāpā
Panguru ki Papata ngā Maunga
Ko Whakarapa te awa wai māori
Ko Hokianga Whakapau Karakia te moana
Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka
Ko Ngāpuhi nui tonu te iwi
Ko ngā hapū ko Ngāti Manawa, ko Kaitutae ratou ko Te Waiariki
Ko ngā whare tupuna ko Ngāti Manawa me WaipunaI te taha o tōku Whaea
Ko Tuhirangi te maunga
Ko Kaipara te moana
Ko Māhūhū-ki-te-rangi te waka
Ko Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara te iwi
Ko Ngāti Rongo te hapū
Ko Te Kia Ora te MaraeKo Doug Leef tōku ingoa.
When Doug was five years old, he told his Nana he was going to be a builder like Koro – and that’s what happened. Now with 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, Doug helps Māori and Pasifika youth in the trades. “I have walked the path many are walking now, so the Tuākana-Teina relationship is a natural fit,” says Doug. “Helping trainees see the value and benefits of making smart choices makes my involvement worthwhile. I want to share the message that through learning a trade, you create endless opportunities for yourself and your whānau.”
Email Doug
027 702 8372
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Navigators
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MPTT Navigator - OCA
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Kimberley Mallen MPTT Navigator - NZMA
Kimberley (Ngāpuhi) is looking forward to supporting young Māori and Pasifika into meaningful work.
“MPTT is so important as it helps break down the barriers for students, which results in being able to gain sustainable employment. I want to help more Māori and Pasifika find a positive career option to support them and their whānau, and work their way up to leading roles in their chosen field.”
Based at NZMA where she takes care of MPTT trainees on campus, Kimberley says having trades skills under your belt opens up opportunities and is a great foundation for a successful career.
“Take the leap! Get involved in an industry where you can set yourself up for a lifetime. Do the mahi, get the treats!”
Email Kimberley -
Hamiora Chapman MPTT Navigator
Seeing more Māori and Pasifika involved in education, training and employment is a key driver for Hamiora (Tūwharetoa, Whakatōhea, Ngati Porou). “It’s very important, not only for the individual’s success but as a collective, to encourage further opportunities for Māori and Pacific peoples.” Hamiora encourages young people to get a trade under their belt to increase their opportunities in life. “While you are young, gain a trade qualification and work hard. Even if you decide to try something else later, you’ll at least have a trade you can fall back on if that doesn’t work out. There is always a demand for trade skills in the job market.”
Email Hamiora
021 025 05595 -
Chris Joseph MPTT Navigator
As a Navigator, Chris (Cook Islands Māori and Tahitian) works with MPTT trainees to help them get ready for work and build the personal skills they need. He advises tauira to focus on themselves and their training in the short term, so they can be in a good position to give back to others later. “Being selfish around your own growth now will build the selfless positive outcomes for you, your family and your collective future.” Outside of work, Chris enjoys travelling and playing sport as well as spending quality time with his friends and family, including his seven-year-old son.
Email Chris
021 023 29336 -
John Chapman MPTT Navigator
After leaving school, John (Ngāti Tūwharetoa rāua ko Whakatōhea nga Iwi) spent seven years in the trades industry and ran a swimming pool renovation business with his wife. Having worked in youth and community development for the past 15 years, John says the MPTT programme is helping create social change. “Māori and Pasifika have an over-representation in unemployment statistics. Therefore it seems a natural fit that we help our people fill the gap, and in turn improve other social issues we face.” He advises young people considering a trade to give it a go for at least three months. “If you don’t like it, move on until you find your ideal job. If you do like it, dedicate three to five years to that trade. This foundation will set you up for the rest of your life. You can stick with it and become a business owner, you can go away and try other things, always knowing you can get back on the tools any time and there will be a need for your services.”
Email John
027 546 3836 -
Martin Hiki Skills4Work Navigator
A qualified butcher who trained through the Māori Affairs programme, Marty (Ngāti Awa) is now helping MPTT trainees to reach their goals through his role as an MPTT navigator. Outside of work, he enjoys going to the gym, cooking, watching rugby league and spending time with his sons. He encourages Māori and Pasifika who are looking to learn a trade to give it a go. “Be prepared to work and study hard, work in a team, and be passionate, proud and humble.”
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Makahn Warren-Chapman MPTT Navigator
Makahn, who is Samoan, Māori (Tūwharetoa, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou) and Irish, loves reading, being outdoors in nature, spending time with whānau and connecting with people. As a navigator, Makahn works with tauira (students) to help them throughout their training and assist them to find work. “I think it’s great our Māori and Pacific tauira are the focus of this programme. Through MPTT, students are aware of opportunities they may otherwise not have known they have access to.”
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Carly Kirby MPTT Navigator
Carly (Te Rarawa/Whakatohea) first got involved with the MPTT programme as a student support advisor at Unitec. Passionate about supporting women in the trades, Carly wants to help the industry reach equality in the number of male and female employees in the sector. She says those who are interested in the trades should go for it, and take advantage of the help that’s available. “If you need support, reach out! We’re here to help you on your journey.”
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Relationship Managers
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Tu Nu’uali’itia Unitec Relationship Manager
In his role for MPTT, Tu helps our trainees get ready for working life and become leaders in the trades. He is married with three adult children and when he isn’t at work he enjoys spending time at church events or at the beach. Tu, who is New Zealand-born Samoan, wants to encourage young Māori and Pasifika to aim high and set goals to achieve their dream career. “Tomorrow only has real meaning for those who have somewhere they need to get to – otherwise it’s just another day.”
Email Tu Nu’uali’itia
021 902565 -
Naomi Tito MIT Relationship Manager
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Tangihua tōku māunga
Ko Wairoa tōku awa
Ko Māhuhu-ki-te-rangi tōku waka
Ko Te Tirarau tōku tīpuna
Ko Ngapuhi tōku iwi
Ko Te Parawhau tōku hapū
Ko Tangiteroria tōku marae
Ko Naomi Tito tōku ingoaIn her role for MPTT, Naomi is focused on providing Māori and Pasifika with meaningful opportunities to enrich their lives and those of their whanau and communities. “I want to support their challenges and share their values and aspirations, enabling them to realise their potential as leaders in their communities. Māori and Pacific people know what they need to uplift and sustain their Mana and their dreams.” In the beautiful words of Te Puea Hērangi “If I dream alone, I can achieve something, but if we all dream together we can achieve much more.”
No reira, Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.
Email Naomi
022 068 9290 -
Monique Le Marque NZMA Relationship Manager
Monique, who is South African, is an explorer who loves visiting new places. “Travel and exploring new cultures and languages is my passion. I have visited more than 40 countries and speak three languages – English, Afrikaans and German. ” She says MPTT is a life-changing opportunity, not only for trainees but for their whānau and community, and has a significant impact on the New Zealand economy as well. “A trade qualification is a passport that can open numerous doors. Tradespeople are in huge demand and have amazing earning potential. With equal measures of elbow grease, perseverance and aspiration, you could someday own your own business and have true financial freedom.”
Email Monique
021 779 433 -
Debra Robertson-Welsh OCA Relationship Manager
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Desiree Grace Kiwa Relationship Manager
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David Parsons BCITO Relationship Manager
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Reg Currin Competenz Relationship Manager
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Eva Joseph Skills Relationship Manager - Pasifika
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Aimee Hutcheson Skills Relationship Manager - Māori
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Jodi Franklin MITO Relationship Manager
Jodi has been involved with the trades industry for more than a decade, having been the Northern Regional Manager for MITO (a partner of MPTT) since 2009. As part of her work with MPTT, Jodi is helping to bring more talented young Māori and Pasifika into the automotive industry. “It’s important to attract Māori and Pasifika to our trades and the MPTT programme gives them a great start in their careers, with lots of support and guidance.” She encourages young people interested in the trades to work towards their qualifications as soon as possible. “Go for it – the world is your oyster once you have a trade!”
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Vanessa Veart-Smith Māori & Pasifika Liaison, Connexis
Having grown up with a roof tiling contractor for a dad and now married to a blacksmith, Vanessa (Te Ati Haunui-a-Pāpārangi) says learning a trade gives you opportunities you can take anywhere. “The effort you put in now is the reward you will reap at the end.”
A mother, volunteer firefighter and keen show jumper, she also runs a small farm – a doc refuge for native birdlife – alongside her husband.
With a background in teaching, Vanessa has a passion for helping people grow and develop. “Being in the trades industry in an education role gives me the drive to jump out of bed every day, engaging with people from all walks of life who are working exceptionally hard.”
Through her role at Connexis, she wants to make a difference in Māori and Pasifika communities and see future generations succeed in the trades. “We can better ourselves, our people, our trades and our infrastructure.”
Email Vanessa
021 406 276
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Our partners are central to the work we do. We collaborate with training, industry and community organisations to connect trainees with opportunities in their chosen trade.
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Polytechnics and Training Providers
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Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)MIT has been helping New Zealanders learn industry-specific skills since 1970. With five Auckland-based campuses, MIT offers a wide range of trades courses that can help you learn practical skills and gain real-world experience while you study.
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UnitecUnitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology, with more than 20,000 students studying over 150 work-oriented programmes. It offers employment-focused education at two campuses in Auckland’s suburbs of Mt Albert and Waitākere.
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Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA)One of New Zealand’s largest tertiary education providers, TWoA is guided by Māori principles and values and provides high-quality, holistic education from certificates to degrees.
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Skills4WorkThis private training establishment aims to help people and businesses lift their skills and productivity. Skills4Work works with businesses of all sizes to help them learn workplace skills linked to industry qualifications.
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NZMANZMA provides hands-on training giving students real skills for today’s professions. Across seven campuses nationwide they deliver employment-focused vocational training in purpose built campuses simulating real-life work environments to over 3,500 students each year in the fields of hospitality, cookery, business, retail, contact centre, construction, electrical engineering, plumbing & gas fitting, early childhood education and health. NZMA’s employment outcomes are amongst the highest in the sector, placing over 80% of graduates into employment or higher learning annually.
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Oceania Career Academy -
Kiwa Education
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INDUSTRY TRAINING ORGANISATIONS (ITOs)
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Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO)BCITO is New Zealand’s largest provider of construction trade apprenticeships. It’s appointed by the government to develop and provide industry qualifications for the building and construction sector.
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The Skills OrganisationSkills is a multi-sector training organisation working with 22 industries. It develops skills to improve workplace performance, delivers training services to companies, and promotes the educational and training needs of its industries.
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CompetenzWorking across 37 industries where most learning takes place on the job, Competenz develops national qualifications and supports Kiwis to build skills, careers and businesses.
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ConnexisConnexis is the industry training organisation for New Zealand’s infrastructure industries, including civil infrastructure, water, electricity supply and telecommunications.
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ServiceIQServiceIQ is the industry training organisation for the aviation, hospitality, retail, travel, tourism and museums sectors. It helps people gain valuable, practical service skills and nationally recognised qualifications.
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MITO New ZealandMITO designs qualifications and training programmes for the automotive, transport, logistics, industrial textile fabrication and extractive industries.
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industry and community
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Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai MaiaThe people of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei are a hapu (sub-tribe), of the Ngāti Whātua iwi (tribe) based in New Zealand’s largest city, Tāmaki Makaurau, commonly known as Auckland.
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Hawkins GroupAn industry leader in the trades, Hawkins is New Zealand’s largest privately owned construction and infrastructure group. Hawkins Group works throughout the Asia Pacific region and specialises in complex projects that benefit local communities.
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Kaea ConsultantsKaea Consultants provide MPTT with navigation services.
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EtcoEtco (The Electrical Training Company) provides training for electrical apprentices and manages their employment. Instead of being employed by an electrician directly, tauira are employed as an apprentice by ETCO, which then finds a place for them to work (called a host company) – ensuring tauira gain the experience they need during the apprenticeship. Etco also provides off-the-job training, including night classes and block courses.
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