Author: Tarin Persson

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Construction veteran’s colourful career

With more than five decades’ experience in construction, industry stalwart Ben Mckay still loves using his skills to help others. Find out how Ben’s trade has allowed him to be his own boss and taken him around the world, from Mangere to Myanmar.

Learning a trade has been life-changing for Ben Mckay. Since training as a builder back in the late 1960s through the Māori Trade Training Scheme, the 70-year-old’s practical skills have continued to open doors for him.

A certificate recognising Ben’s 4000 hours completed in carpentry — the beginning of a long, successful career in the trades. 

After getting his carpentry and joinery apprenticeship, Ben was able to take his trade overseas, including to the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Thailand, and Myanmar (Burma). 

This experience meant he could see the world while earning money and continuing to grow his skills – an option he says is still a great choice for young tradies.

“Look at the journey,” says Ben. “I didn’t know I was going to go overseas. Someone just approached me. They saw I’d been through the trades, and they asked if I’d like to go and work overseas. 

“I’ve never, ever paid for a passport in my life – and I’ve had four of them! Those opportunities still exist for the young ones today.” 

Ben, who was born in Wairoa, knew it was important to get qualified thanks to advice from his dad.

“I always remembered in the back of my mind that my dad said: ‘Get a real job — not a labouring job or making tea or something like that’.”

So, at 17 years old, Ben (Ngāti Kahungunu Ki Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou, Waikato) caught a train from Hastings to Wellington, to do his carpentry and joinery apprenticeship. 

He did his training through the Māori Trade Training Scheme, in which MPTT Auckland has its roots. The scheme saw thousands of Māori gain trade qualifications between 1959 and the mid-1980s, creating a generation of Māori leaders in the trades — a legacy MPTT is working to continue.

Ben and other apprentices from the Māori Trade Training Scheme were chosen to attend a trade fair in Wellington in 1969, where they demonstrated their skills to the public and building companies. In the photo immediately above, Ben is seated in the middle, front row, alongside other young men who would become lifelong friends. 

“Doing that training was a turning point for me,” says Ben. “There were 23 of us and we lived in the hostel together, learning plumb, square and level from our tutors.

“We lived, cried and did everything there together.”

After eight years in Wellington, Ben got married and eventually moved to Auckland for work.

“I was managing the trades training for Owens from their office in Ponsonby. They had two hostels here and I used to check what supplies and equipment they needed to be building houses.”

Later he worked for Fletcher Construction, where he managed the steel works in Mangere, and spent four years working for himself as a contractor. He also worked for Australian company Civil & Civic on multi-story buildings on Queen St, and even spent some time building sets for TV shows. 

Then in 1987, Fletcher invited Ben to go to the Solomon Islands to help build a secondary school. He stayed there until 1993, along with his wife and four children. 

“Every weekend I went fishing — I didn’t go to the pub. We caught everything up there, even snakes and crocodiles!

“We collected mushrooms, grew our own food, went crab hunting and did crab races — it was a good life.”

After working in several places in Asia and the Pacific, Ben returned to New Zealand and used his skills to work for himself. He started two businesses, one of which he still runs. 

A big benefit of being a qualified carpenter is you can build your own home, says Ben.

“Building your own home is a great way to get ahead. I’ve built homes for my brother, my brother-in-law, my cousins, and all over the world.” 

Having built everything from mega structures to humble abodes, Ben has always enjoyed using his skills to solve problems and help others. These days, he continues to give back to those in his community.

“Me and my son just went around to help this old lady — she’s 76. We spent three hours fixing up her stairs, using whatever timber we had. She asked us, ‘How much?’ I just said, ‘What do you mean?’

“I just like to help people who need help. It’s good to give back.”

Ben’s career has taken him far and wide. Here, he’s seen working on a project in Niue, for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 

Māori and Pasifika Trades students are always part of the whānau, even after graduation. As one of our alumni, we’ll let you know about industry news and job offers and give you ongoing access to a supportive network in the trades. Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected.

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‘I never thought climbing trees would be this fun’

Jordan Hattaway never thought he’d be a natural climber. But after spotting a Facebook post about an arborist with an MPTT scholarship, he decided to check out the trade. Less than a year later, he’s recently had the chance to compete in a national tree climbing competition. 

Jordan only started his arborist training this year, but he’s already made it to a national competition for his trade. 

Having entered a regional competition in Auckland, the 23-year-old didn’t quite qualify for nationals – but he impressed the judges enough to be picked as a wild card for the national competition in Queenstown, which he attended this month.

“It was a really exhilarating competition, especially for a boy who had no background in it. I never thought climbing trees would be this fun,” says Jordan.

“My next goal is to push for next year’s comp, and in the next five years to get a New Zealand title.”

Career climber

Competitive tree climbing is a replication of best practice in the arboriculture industry, without actually cutting a tree. Competing in these events helps further an arborist’s career.

To help Jordan (Ngāti Whātua) attend the event, MPTT provided $850 to cover his flights, accommodation and registration fee.

“All I can say is thank you to MPTT. They’ve done a lot for me so far and I can’t overstate what it’s done for me,” says Jordan, who lives with his partner, mother-in-law and 10-month-old daughter. 

“The scholarship has changed my life, honestly. This is definitely going to set me up for life and set my family up for life.”

Branching out

The Manukau Institute of Technology trainee began his training at the start of 2020, so is “real green to the arborist industry”. Having seen an MPTT Facebook post about becoming an arborist, he decided to check it out with his brother-in-law.

Jordan was chosen as a ‘wild card’ competitor for the national tree climbing event in Queenstown, which he attended with his tutor Zane Wedding and other trainees from MIT.

“As soon as we saw someone swinging in a tree, we were thinking, ‘Yeah, this is for us’. We’re basically like monkeys.” 

“I just never thought climbing would be something I would do. I didn’t even see that I had this natural ability to climb things.”

He spends around three days a week on his coursework, and on other days works at Specimen Treecare in Panmure. He also practices tree climbing on weekends, often in a reserve or park. 

“We’ll find a big tree somewhere that’s not dangerous, and we’ll practice for five or six hours on a weekend. That’s so we can get our muscle memory, so we remember what to do when we’re in a comp,” he says.

“I want to win a national title so I can be known in the book of arboriculture. It’s just going to be a hell of a lot of training. But, you know, I’m up for it. I’m ready to put in the effort.”

Māori and Pasifika Trades students are always part of the whānau, even after graduation. As one of our alumni, we’ll let you know about industry news and job offers and give you ongoing access to a supportive network in the trades. Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected.

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Love for kai feeds hospo career

With a life-long love of food, hospitality was a natural career choice for Fawn Marsh. Having enjoyed cooking with her grandma while growing up, Fawn is now passing her skills on to the next generation by teaching her daughter how to make healthy meals.

Cooking is more than a passion for Fawn Marsh – it’s about whānau too. With a six-year-old daughter, Fawn is keen to set a good example and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

“I wanted to learn how to make nutritious meals for my daughter. I’ve always had a love for food, but I’ve never had the options to do it.”

Now a few months into her Level 4 NZ Certificate in Cookery at Kiwa, the 26-year-old enjoys bringing the kai she makes in class home to share with her daughter.

“I don’t eat the food when I’m at my course. If I have something I think would be good for us, I save it for our dinner because I like my daughter to taste our food.” 

“The other day I made a platter with everything you need for a Chicken Caesar Salad, and I had her make her own one. I like her to get involved in helping with the cooking, as well as getting her on a healthy diet. I want her to have the healthiest food options.”

Plus, cooking on campus has given Fawn the chance to try new methods and ingredients that aren’t usually in her price range as a student and single mum. 

Fawn loves experimenting in class with new and high-quality ingredients she wouldn’t normally have at home.

“I get to use certain ingredients that I’d never normally be able to use due to my budgeting. I was able to make pasta because we had pasta makers. To be able to utilise stuff I don’t have access to at home, because of my finances, has been amazing.”

Sharing her cooking skills with the next generation is close to Fawn’s heart, having been taught a lot as a child by her grandmother – who still lives nearby in Papakura.

“She’s very old-school and used to cook everything for my grandad. Growing up learning how to bake with my grandma, that’s one of my favourite memories and still to this day is one of my happy places.” 

Passionate about the hospitality industry, Fawn now has her sights set on getting qualified and being her own boss. 

“It’s a goal of mine to open a catering business. I want to be able to employ people who’ve been through hard times, so I can help get them out into the community.” 

Culture course

Fawn (Ngāpui, Tainui) has enjoyed learning more about Māori culture as she’s studied cookery.

“Mum is English and Scottish, and dad’s Māori. I’ve never really been around dad; I’ve been brought up with mum and her family, so I didn’t grow up knowing much about Māori culture,” she says.

“I’ve learned more at Kiwa about the Māori culture than in the entire time I was at school. When Matariki happened this year, our chef dedicated two theory days to explaining Matariki and the traditional food. 

“We got to learn about traditional Māori foods, which I thought was amazing because, I’m not gonna lie, I’m like the whitest Māori ever – so it was awesome to learn about that.”

“That’s something I love about the course, is that I get to learn about Māori culture as well as hospitality.”

Not only has Fawn learned professional cooking skills and techniques from her chef Memree (right), she’s also discovered more about Māori culture as part of her course.

A side of support

Having worked since her high-school years, Fawn tried a few jobs before finding her trade. She has worked in offices, warehouses, cafés and a First Aid certificate licencing company. 

“I wanted to find a job I was passionate about, which is the reason I finally started doing hospitality. 

“I’m one of those ones who watches every season of Master Chef and My Kitchen Rules. Most of my Netflix is food shows.”

Studying has had its challenges for Fawn, but MPTT’s support has helped, she says.

“When I was doing Level 3, I was on a solo mum’s benefit because the course wasn’t full-time. But when I moved to Level 4, it was considered full-time and they just cut my benefit. 

“There was a time when I wasn’t actually getting paid at all, and I was scared I’d lose my house and everything.”

Fawn was thankful to have support from her MPTT navigator, Hami Chapman, who stepped in to help get her payments sorted. 

“Hami gave me so much help. He organised a meeting with someone from Studylink to get everything sorted with my student allowance. I ended up getting paid that same week. I was so grateful for Hami’s support.”

Through MPTT’s Learner Support Fund, Fawn has been able to get new chef clogs, which are specialised footwear for workers in the industry. MPTT funded a set of professional knives for Fawn.

“She will be thrilled to have these items that she can call her own,” says Hami. “They will definitely help her in her future culinary endeavours.”

Support from MPTT has helped Fawn overcome challenges that came up during her course, making it easier to stay focused on her learning.
Stepping up to the plate

Studying as a single parent means Fawn needs to stay organised.

“It’s not a problem as long as I have a routine. I’m used to living on a timetable and having everything planned,” she says.

“My daughter’s school and Kiwa are only five minutes apart, and I live about 10 minutes from both of them, so that’s amazing.”

Outside of her studies, Fawn prioritises spending quality time with her daughter.

“We’re involved in the Drury softball team, and we also go to the park or pools for ‘us’ time.”

Like many students, Fawn’s studies in 2020 have been disrupted by Covid-19. However, she plans to complete Level 4 in May 2021.

In the meantime, Fawn is motivated to make the most of her course and build up her skills for her ongoing career.

“I know I’ve got a long way to get there, but I want to run my own business. That’s why I wanted to study hospitality — it’s part and parcel with my goal for the future.”


Interested in studying cookery like Fawn? An MPTT scholarship can help. If you’re Māori or Pasifika and you plan to study hospitality at Level 3 or Level 4, you might qualify for our scholarship programme. Find out more about a career in hospitality.

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Our whānau is growing

It was exciting to see some of our latest intake of future tradies gather together this month, after MPTT’s group events had been delayed due to Covid-19. 

Check out these photos of Unitec’s Whanaungatanga Day, where new trainees were welcomed to the whānau and awarded their scholarship certificates and MPTT shirts. 

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Tongan sportsman tackles new career

After more than a decade playing professional rugby league and union, Pakisonasi Afu decided it was time to return to New Zealand and take on a new challenge — becoming a builder. His sporting connections have helped him land an apprenticeship, and he’s finding many of the skills he acquired on the field are just as useful on the building site. 

Two years ago, Pakisonasi Afu was making good money playing for the Utah Warriors in Major League Rugby in the United States. Then, he and his wife learned they were expecting their first child — and it changed everything. 

“It sort of put everything into perspective. It opened my mind to knowing that footie’s not always going to be around to provide for my family. I realised that I wanted to have a trade that could eventually become a life skill, that I can use when I retire.” 

“As much as I love footie, I have to find a career that’s going to provide for my family in the long run.”

Known for his power and presence on the field, Paki represented Tonga in rugby league, and played for clubs like the Canterbury Bulldogs, Parramatta Eels, New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters. After switching codes to union in 2017, the 6ft 3in centre shone for Tonga A in the Pacific Challenge, before signing up to play in America. 

He admits it was a big decision to leave a professional sporting career to start again in the trades. 

“It was a huge change. I was getting paid pretty well over there and making that financial decision to come back, both my wife and I had to come to terms with it. But looking back, it’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

For Paki, gaining a trades skill is all about being able to support his family long after his playing days are over.
Paki and his wife Abish returned to NZ before the birth of their daughter Asher, who’s now nearly two years old. There’ll be a new addition to the family in early 2021.
Propped up

With his sights set on learning a trade. Paki decided to do a New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) with a strand in Carpentry at MIT, and was grateful to discover the MPTT programme. 

“MPTT made the transition back into study a lot easier, because I had that one-on-one time with Hami and Chris (MPTT navigators). I really liked that, especially during lockdown, they’d message or call to make sure I had everything I needed to complete my coursework.”

Paki says that Navigator support helps create a fanau/whanau environment for MPTT trainees.

“Being a Pacific Islander, it’s always good having that extra support. Having that similar connection, but also just knowing in the back of your mind that you have someone there if you’re struggling with anything in class.”

“You have your navigator there to contact, and they’re always willing to talk and offer support. I really enjoyed it and am glad I had their help. I’m glad I found the MPTT scholarship online.”

Paki (second row, centre) with the Junior Kiwis in 2010.
Quick off the mark

Paki knew the best way to get a head-start in the industry was to get some work experience while he studied. 

Although he was new to the trades, Paki’s sporting contacts still came into play – his rugby club had a connection to McManus Building. 

“So I ended up working for them. And then the boss was like, ‘If you’re keen, we’d be happy to have you as an apprentice’. 

“I want to tell our Pacific and Māori young people that there’s connections in sport, not just for sport but outside of sport. Like how I managed to get an apprenticeship through my club’s connections. That’s another avenue our youth can go through to find work in the future.”

Paki’s work at McManus helped him try out skills he’d learned in class, cementing his knowledge of the trade.

“I’d definitely recommend being employed while you’re doing the course. I found it a blessing, because I was able to put everything I learned from my tutor into practice.”

This hands-on experience also helped the 30-year-old learn different techniques, and understand the terminology used on building sites. 

Unexpected hit

Unfortunately, Paki lost his job at the end of September when the deepening economic effects of Covid-19 affected his employer. 

Paki is confident about finding another job though and he’s wasted no time in seeking out a new position. 

“I’ve been in contact with my connections in footie and they’ve put a word out that I’m looking for work to continue my apprenticeship. Now it’s a waiting game to see if we get any interest.”

Paki in action for Kagifa Samoa, putting a big fend on Fijian Latui’s Tara Patterson Wilagi during the 2019 Global Rapid Rugby Pacific Showcase.
Core skills

Although playing professional sport and working in the trades are completely different careers, both fields are hands-on and require some similar skills, he says. 

“I love it eh, because I love physical work. It’s another way for me to stay active and not get too lazy or put on too much weight.”

“In footie, you have to be confident in your ability to play. When you transfer that into building, you might only know so much when you’re learning, but you’ve also got to be confident in yourself.”

Communication skills are essential in both sport and the trades, says Paki.

“In footie you’ve got to communicate, and the same thing applies on the work site. You won’t get noticed until you speak up for yourself on a site. You see that on the health and safety videos, where people let things go but it’ll come back to bite them.”

Passing it on

Paki’s sporting background sparked a passion for helping young people achieve their dreams – something he continues to pursue as he moves into the trades.

“Having that experience of going over to Australia by myself at the age of 16, and living there and seeing what the island kids go through and the struggles they go through, I felt it’s right for me to use my experiences in life to help them.”

While Paki is trying to find a new job, he’ll be doing youth work and mentoring for the Senate Nursing Bureau. 

“It’s what I did before I came into building. We work with kids in trouble, removed from families, that have mental health issues or medical issues.

“I’ll enjoy doing some youth work and looking after our tamariki while I look around for a new job.”

Going forward, Paki hopes to combine his interests to help more young people get into the trades.

“I’m passionate about seeing young kids succeed in life, but also in the trades and on the sportsfield.

“That’s one of my other goals — I want to be a mentor and be able to speak to the youth. I’ve had that passion, I guess, since I started playing professionally.

“I feel that it’s right for me to use my experiences in life to help the young ones.”

Want to know more about the MPTT scholarship and getting qualified in construction? Go here for all the details.

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‘Sparkies make a lot of dollars’

Jharden Davis (Ngāti Hine) grew up in a small town in the Bay of Islands, where most people he knew got a job at the local meatworks. After leaving school, he joined them for a few years – along with trying his hand at shearing sheep and working as a labourer. 

But Jharden had dreams of being a qualified tradie, so he moved to Auckland with his girlfriend. With hard work, plenty of study, and support through an MPTT scholarship, the 23-year-old landed an apprenticeship at Aotea Electrical in January 2019. We caught up with Jharden to find out how it’s all going, and his future plans to help others get qualified.

So Jharden, tell us about what made you move to Auckland. 

I was just sick of working at the meatworks. Back home, the majority of us work at Affco in Moerewa (a meat processing facility). I know a lot of people at the meatworks – pretty much my family, eh. Uncles, cousins. 

Everyone calls it the university, you know, because once you go, you usually don’t leave. I was making pretty good money there, actually. But I didn’t want to stay there for the rest of my life and know nothing else except butchering. I wanted to do something else with my life. 

Why did you choose to train as a sparky?

I just knew electrical was big bucks. I had three major things I wanted to do, which were architectural design, quantity surveying or being a sparky. 

I did a week of quantity surveying, and that was really boring. Write down your measurements, go back to the office. But I don’t like being in the office, I like being out and about. 

With architectural design, my uncle is one, so I worked with him for a bit. I liked the job, but again, you’re sitting down in the office all day, just drawing and making plans. I wanted to be outside. 

With electrical, I was determined. I was like, this is the third one, I’ve really got to decide because I’ve come to Auckland with no knowledge of anything. So I thought, ‘I’ve got to put my head down and do the study and get qualified’. 

How is your apprenticeship going so far?

I’ve really enjoyed it. I think the pre-trades course I did at Unitec really helped me out with all the theory work. I waited about five years after school before going back to uni, so I’d forgotten everything – so it’s made it a lot easier to understand everything that’s come at me.

If you’re a good worker, it’s not hard to do the work. You just need to actually study, because the things you learn will apply to you when you do qualify. Like, a lot of what you study, you get to see it but you can’t actually do it, because you’re not allowed to touch live work while you’re an apprentice. Most things you study, you have to be qualified to do. In the end it’s worth studying hard because you won’t use all of it now, but later on, you will use it. 

It’s a different job once you get qualified. A lot more responsibility falls on your shoulders. Apprentices are there and we can do a lot of stuff, but in the end you have to be qualified to sign everything off. 

Has your job changed at all due to Covid-19?

Because of Covid, we’re only allowed a few guys on site at a time, so I’ve been moved to a different site. I’d been working on a 12-storey apartment building at Silo Park, but right now, I’m in Henderson working with four men and one woman. We’re all apprentices except for our foreman, who’s been qualified longer than I’ve been alive. 

At work, masks are compulsory. We have to use hand sanitiser when we come in and out, and sign in on the Covid tracer app. We keep a two-metre distance from each other, unless you really can’t, and then you try not to touch. Everyone’s pretty wary of catching the virus, so it’s all well looked after on site and everyone keeps their distance. 

What about your bookwork – has that been impacted by the lockdown?

The lockdown gave a lot of apprentices time to look at their bookwork and actually study, which was good. Everyone has come back a bit more knowledgeable. 

We have night class to attend, which is compulsory, and that’s on Zoom sessions at the moment because of Covid. The guys in my class are really good. Everyone just mutes themselves while the tutor is speaking, and once he asks if there are any questions, you unmute yourself to speak. 

What are your dreams for the future?

My biggest goal once I’m a qualified sparky is to start my own company back home in the Bay of Islands, and help Māori, or anyone really who’s up there, to get their apprenticeship. It’s a really good trade, and I want to help others get into it.

What advice do you have for those looking to train as an electrician?

I think doing an electrical trade is something you don’t want to waste your time with if you’re not serious about it. Don’t clock out halfway through, because that’s no help to yourself or the company you’re working for. Stick with it.

Also, just be a good worker in general. Show up, be trustworthy, be keen and eager to learn a trade. Be honest about what you know and what you don’t know. 

Electrical is a really good trade. It gives you a lot of job opportunities, worldwide. You can travel with your New Zealand ticket and it’s still valid. So put in the work, especially the bookwork, that’s most important. And yeah – sparkies make a lot of dollars.

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Apprentice putting his family first

No-one achieves major goals on their own – our success also depends on support from those around us. That’s why refrigeration and air conditioning apprentice Avishkar Kissun is happy to be using his skills to help his hard-working parents pay the bills, and plans to celebrate getting established in his trade by taking his family on holiday.
For Avishkar Kissun, learning a trade is about giving back to his family. 

The 21-year-old was born in Batinikama, Labasa, on the island of Vanua Levu, Fiji. But his parents, who are both teachers, wanted him and his sister to have more opportunities. So in 2016, they made the difficult choice to leave Fiji and come to New Zealand.

“My parents wanted a great future for me and my sister. They needed a better future for us, so they decided to move to a new country.” 

Once in New Zealand, Avishkar chose to learn a trade because it allows him to help support his family while he trains, and opens up the possibility of owning his own business one day.

“My parents have struggled a lot in coming to New Zealand and it wasn’t an easy way to come here. So I have to care for my family.”



Avishkar learning on the job in Ponsonby, not far from Airtech’s headquarters on Williamson Ave.
House warming

Avishkar now lives in Papatoetoe with his parents, his sister and his granny.

“It was a big change for us, because we still have our house and close families in Fiji. It was really a very hard decision to leave behind our house and people with whom we’ve spent our time,” he says.

“My dad has struggled a lot. Coming from Fiji and getting a job was hard in New Zealand. When we came, my mum was the main applicant and she came on a student visa. She completed her Bachelors of Digital Technologies at MIT as an international student. My dad worked as a cleaning supervisor at the airport. After about two years, he managed to get his teacher registration and started teaching, through which we got residence.”

Avishkar’s parents are both now working as teachers, and his sister is studying biomedical science at Auckland University.

Together, the family managed to save enough to buy their own house in Auckland. 

“We have just bought our own house last year, due to our hard work and savings. I am lucky to be working because I am helping my parents pay the mortgage.”

Avishkar wants to use his trade to give back to his parents.

“This house is not my parents’ dream house. I have a plan in my mind: I’m thinking of buying them a house that they like – a dream house for them.” 

“I’m also thinking of taking my family on a big vacation once I’m established in my trade and my life is sorted out.”

Conditioned for success

Avishkar knew he wanted to study refrigeration and air conditioning after he lent a helping hand to his neighbour, who was a refrigeration engineer.

“A few days I went with him to help him, and I really enjoyed it and wanted to learn more. I didn’t have any knowledge of it — I was just a helping hand, you know. I wanted to learn more, so I just went to MIT and found the pre-trades course in air con and refrigeration.” 

In 2018, after finishing high school, Avishkar did a Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (Level 3) at Manukau Institute of Technology, with help from an MPTT scholarship. He excelled in his studies and was given the MIT MPTT Top Trainee Award for General Engineering. 

“MPTT paid for my fees, plus they gave me support to buy tools, which was very good and very helpful for me. Those are the tools I’m using now. And Hami and Naomi from MPTT supported me with preparing my CV and getting me ready for a career.”  



Tools aren’t cheap, and Avishkar’s grateful for the help from MPTT with putting his kit together.

In January 2020, Avishkar started his apprenticeship (through Competenz) at Airtech, which sees him working all over Auckland.

“The thing I enjoy most is going to new places in Auckland, and getting to work on new types of air con.”

“My job mostly focuses on the air conditioning. There are selected senior staff who do the refrigeration and I work with them. I have just started, but I am doing my best to learn refrigeration from them.” 



  • Avishkar Kissun
Avishkar with his supervisor Pritesh (top left); removing redundant air conditioning equipment from a refurbishment in Ponsonby; and with his boss John Yorston, who says Avi’s maturity helped land him the apprenticeship.


Air of confidence

Avishkar’s boss John Yorston, General Manager at Airtech, says the company is constantly “bombarded” with CVs from people looking for work, but Avishkar shone through because of his maturity.

“There’s a formality about him in terms of how he works and in his manner. He’s presentable and tidy. He has a maturity that’s a major benefit for him in what he’s doing and where he’s going, and that rolls into his acceptance by the team. 

“Give him a few years and he’ll be able to liaise with clients and pretty much do everything we could want — that’s for sure.”

One challenge for Avishkar has been getting comfortable with heights.

“It was very challenging for me when I started, you know. Going up high, climbing ladders and everything, is not easy when you’re not used to it. But slowly I am learning and seeing where people put their hands, what’s the correct position. Now it’s all normal for me and I’m confident in everything, but this was one of the challenging parts.”

In the future, Avishkar has his sights set on owning his own business, and he hopes to be able to employ some of his relatives who also live in Auckland.

Employer Spotlight: Airtech
Based in Grey Lynn, Airtech provides air conditioning and refrigeration services all over Auckland. They do everything from installing heat pumps in homes to fixing air conditioning systems at school, businesses, and commercial factories. They also service, repair and maintain commercial air conditioning and refrigeration equipment at places like restaurants and fast food outlets. 

General Manager John Yorston says the company has 15 employees, including two apprentices. As someone who receives a lot of applications, John has some good advice for anyone trying to land a job in the industry: 

#1
Send in a well-written CV, and follow up with a phone call to make sure the employer’s received it and knows you’re interested

#2
If you’re offered an interview, show up on time and dress smartly. The employer wants to see you looking professional, especially if it’s a role where you’ll be going into people’s homes.

#3
Be prepared for your interview: learn about the company and the industry beforehand, bring any required paperwork, and be ready to talk about what your goals are for the future.

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Diesel mechanic follows in dad’s footsteps

Joseph at work at home
Automotive apprentice Joseph Kaufusi always knew he wanted to work with vehicles. “I like being on my feet, working with my hands, and getting dirty,” he says. The 24-year-old is gunning to get qualified through MITO – having already managed to smash out more than 90 credits by June this year, compared to the 75 credits expected for the entire year.

We caught up with Joseph to find out how he got into his trade, his goals for the future, and how his dad’s been a big inspiration in his career.

Firstly Joseph, tell us where you grew up?

I grew up in Tonga (Vava’u) until I was eight – that’s when my family moved here to New Zealand. We used to go back to Tonga once a year when I was little, when flights were cheaper and all that. But as I got older, I was going back once every two or three years. 

We lived in St Lukes when we first moved to Auckland. Then we moved out to Mangere and that’s where we’ve been ever since. I’m still living at home, just trying to finish up this apprenticeship. 

I’m from a small family, which is pretty weird for an islander. I’ve only got two siblings and they’re both younger than me. The youngest one’s actually over at Unitec with an MPTT scholarship, doing construction. 

Like father, like son: Joseph and his father Kiva share a passion for working on cars, trucks and heavy machinery. 


How did you get interested in working with vehicles?

I’ve been surrounded by people in the trades all my life. My dad’s a diesel mechanic. He did his main university training in Fiji, and then he came back to the mainland in Tonga and did the rest of his practical training there. 

He started out with the old, hand-cranked diesel engines. By the time I was born, he was already 12 years into his trade. Dad still works on trucks and stuff, but that’s only in his off-time. Now he’s at the testing station doing warrants of fitness and certificates of fitness. 

And has your dad helped you much with your training?

Yeah, I learned a lot of the basics from him. Given that I pretty much grew up around the industry I’m in, and I had some knowledge of diesel engines and cars in general, it was easier for me to progress through the learning. 

  • Joseph and his dad working together
Outside of his day job, Joseph runs a side-hustle fixing vehicles at home for his friends and family (with a bit of help from dad, of course). 


I do talk about it with dad quite a lot, especially with my assignments. With bits I don’t understand, I just call up dad and we go through it. 

It’s awesome when I’m doing my own projects, like working on cars at home and all that. If I get stuck I’ll ask dad, ‘What’s the best way of doing this?’ and he’ll come out and show me. 

There’s some new stuff I’ve been able to show him, too, mainly on the electrical side with using the new scanning systems that have come out recently. 

You were awarded an MPTT scholarship — how has that helped you?

It’s been a big help. I had money saved up for my course fees — that was all my savings from doing odd jobs here and there. When I got the MPTT scholarship, that made everything a whole lot easier. There was a load off, not having to think about how I’m going to be paying for all my courses and everything. So, I didn’t have to use up all my savings.

My MPTT navigators Pava and Tu were real helpful too. I went to them for advice on career paths and stuff like that, and they were able to provide me with all the info I needed. 

How did you land your apprenticeship?

It was through MPTT as well. I was about a month out from finishing my course, and MPTT organised a recruiter to come to Unitec for a bunch of job interviews. Within a couple of days, I got a call from the recruiter offering me a job at Hirepool, which was where I started my apprenticeship in 2017. 

I was at Hirepool for almost three years, and last year I moved to Universal Diesel. The main reason I moved was around getting the apprenticeship done. When I started training in heavy diesel, there wasn’t enough work for me to do at Hirepool. So, I had to make the call that was right for me and what I wanted to do in the future. I got on well with my boss at Hirepool, and when I said I needed to leave, he said ‘Go for it’.

How did you find your job at Universal Diesel?

I talked to my dad to see if we had family or any of his mates who were working in the industry. He asked them if the companies they were working for were looking for apprentices. And he came back with the position at Universal Diesel, because one of our relatives is the workshop foreman. 

Working in heavy diesel was a deliberate choice for me. If you’re a diesel mechanic, you have a lot of options because you’ve done your training on anything from trucks, buses, all the heavy equipment, all the way down to cars and lawnmowers and stuff. 

When will you be finishing your apprenticeship?

My parents are constantly saying, ‘Hurry up and finish!’ It’s been a lot longer than I should have done on my apprenticeship. Now I want to get it done as quickly as possible. 

When I’m at home, I’ll knock out two or three assignments at a time. I just knuckle down. When motivation is lacking, I force myself to put my head in the book and keep going. 

What do you get up to when you’re not at work?
Joseph Kaufusi dreams of having his own workshop and being his own boss.
If things go to plan, Joseph will be running his own workshop “in the hood”
(South Auckland) before too long. 

Most weekends I’m still working ‘coz, in the hopes of owning my own business, I’m also doing it as a side hustle. Not only to keep gaining the experience and the knowledge, but also to build up that base for what I do in my own workshop.

I just do that from the garage at home. So at the moment, I’ve got one of my best mate’s utes parked up in my driveway, waiting for him to get a new clutch. It’s just helping friends and family out. Money’s a bit tight and getting it repaired in the workshop can be quite costly. 

Other than that, I just usually chill with friends and family. 

What are your goals for the future?

My end goal is running my own business, having my own workshop and being my own boss. Being free to do what I want to do. 

I’ve given myself a five-year goal, which is to complete my apprenticeship in the first year and a half. Then once I’m all qualified, I want to pick up a night course at Unitec or MIT studying business. Once all of that is done, I can start making my move into having my own workshop. It’s most likely going to be in the hood somewhere, in South Auckland. 

Find out more about learning Automotive with an MPTT scholarship.

If you’re thinking of starting your own business, MPTT can prepare and support you to make a success of it. Contact sam.sefuiva@maoripasifikatrades.co.nz to find out more.

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Young arborist sets his sights high

What if you could get paid to climb trees? As Ngati Kaihau discovered, a love for doing physical work outdoors and respect for the land could make you a natural arborist – and create a wealth of opportunities for you and your whānau. Find out how this father of three with a fear of heights became a talented arborist, competitive tree climber and business owner.

For Ngati Kaihau, being an arborist is in the blood. Following in his dad’s footsteps, he discovered a natural passion and respect for trees and the physical, hands-on work that comes with caring for them. 

Now that he’s qualified, his mission is to pass this knowledge on to his three young sons, and expand his business to help others. 

“I love it. It’s crazy cos if you sat down and had a korero with my dad, you’d see the same drive in him. And now when I’m out with my oldest son, he just wants to climb trees too. I’ve already got him a little harness and I’ll put it up in the tree and he swings around from branch to branch. So, it’s just going to roll on and roll on.

“That’s the ultimate goal for me, to get a business flowing so that it not only helps me, but also sets up a future for my sons and wider whānau.” 

Being an arborist is about much more than cutting down trees, says Ngati. He and his whānau are passionate about their role as kaitiaki (caretakers), protecting and nurturing this country’s ngahere (forest). 

For Ngati, being an arborist is far more than a job — it’s about fulfilling a role as kaitiaki of New Zealand’s trees.

“If I’m on the job and I see a stand of karaka trees, I’ll be looking at those trees and thinking they were possibly planted there for their abundance of kai 150 to 200 years ago. So that’s what I see, the strong history between those trees and the land.

“Respect needs to be shown to the tree itself, because of the history it’s seen. It changes things when you see it that way.” 

Chip off the old block

Ngati learned the basic skills of the trade from his dad, experienced arborist Pehi Kaihau, before enrolling in a NZ Cert in Horticulture Level 4 (Arborist) at Manukau Institute of Technology, with help from an MPTT scholarship. 

Completing the course in 2017 really took his knowledge to the next level, he says. Now just a few years into his career, the 26-year-old is already running his own business and working as a contractor, including doing work for his iwi Ngāti Te Ata, around Awhitu Peninsula.

“As a representative arborist, I work alongside council and give that opinion on the Māori aspect and help them see our cultural approach towards everything to do with nature, from cutting down trees to planting out streams.”

Having a qualification adds weight to his experience and has opened up opportunities, he says.

“Because I obtained my arboriculture ticket through MIT, I hold a title through my iwi. For iwi to be cleaning up a streamline that’s on marae land, it’s much better than getting someone else in to clear it out. We might be looking at clearing out old wāhi tapu (burial grounds), so it’s a sign of respect to send our own people through those lands to plant it out or clear out trees.”

His work with iwi offers huge variety, including site observations, pest control of native bush, or riparian planting. Alongside this work, Ngati also has jobs across Auckland as a contract arborist, which sees him climbing trees with a chainsaw.

Carefully following safety procedures is an essential part of the job, says Ngati. 

“I’ve been climbing for quite a while but I do get scared of those heights. It’s crazy cos I’ll be doing my cutting and I’ll take a look down and realise, far out, if I make a mistake and cut my rope or miss a procedure, that’s my life just gone. And that’s always in the back of my mind. I just have to keep those steps and procedures.”

Ngati says the industry offers high-paying work to qualified and capable workers.

“You can make ridiculous money if you do your job well.” 

Ngati’s success as a qualified arborist has led to competitive tree-climbing success, which has opened up job opportunities and helped him meet other passionate arborists. 

His former MIT lecturer Zane Wedding (Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Pikiao) says arboriculture is a great career for people like Ngati who love doing physical work outdoors.

“Ngati came with a real enthusiasm to be a climber, and had a natural passion for New Zealand native bush. And that was a real catalyst for his success. He’s also very physically able. He was just a young Māori kid with heaps of energy, and when I put him on a rope, he was just racing around.” 

Out on a limb

A talented climber, Ngati won the Auckland Young Arborist competition in 2017 and then competed in the Nationals in Dunedin, taking fourth place. He also travelled to Australia to compete in a competition sponsored by Red Bull, and placed 48 out of 100 of the best climbers in the world.

“For a young Māori boy who’d never been on a plane, I was quite shocked – big eyes and looking everywhere. Just placing in that spot, I got so many job opportunities. People were asking me to move over to Australia and work in their company. It was awesome,” he says.

“You get to see the best climbers in the world, you get to meet the best climbers in the world – and then when they see you climb, they offer you jobs. That networking opportunity at comps is wicked.” 

Zane, who’s currently ranked fourth best tree climber in the country as well as being a senior lecturer in arboriculture(tree maintenance) at MIT, says competitive tree climbing is a replication of best practice within the arboriculture industry, at speed, without actually cutting a tree. 

Ngati (left) refers to Zane (front) as one of his biggest role models: “That guy changed my life.”

“So, we race around and climb a tree just like we would at work, but instead of cutting a tree, we have a bell that we ring to simulate where we would have cut a branch off. 

“When it becomes a competition, you find these kids who have grown up playing rugby in the competitive sporting environment are like, ‘What? This job is actually something I can compete in?’”

Zane says there’s a shortage of qualified, skilled arborists around the world, and competitive success and industry success go hand-in-hand. 

”If you do well in competitions you can go out and say, ‘I’m capable and I charge this much’. It puts money in the pocket.”

Ngati says his ultimate aim is to grow his business to be able to offer employment to many others in his community. 

“It’s a massive goal. We have such a big family where there’s so many of our young people who get into trouble. I want to give them that opportunity to have a job, even if it’s just planting hundreds of plants or cutting down trees. That would make me feel better, that everyone else is happy as well.”

How can you become an arborist?
Arborists are in demand in New Zealand and overseas, and earn good money for their skills. 

Manukau Institute of Technology lecturer Zane Wedding says the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) in Arboriculture at MIT means you can get qualified in a year. The course includes both the theory and practical work required to enter the industry.

“There’s so much work in arboriculture but it’s really dependent on qualifications. This qualification is your foot in the industry door — and there’s just so much work. Everyone from my course basically leaves with a job.”

You can also get qualified through an apprenticeship, such as through a company like Treescape, although this takes more time.

The course also offers vital cultural context to working with trees, says Zane.

“For young Māori and Polynesian students, what we teach at the course is they become kaitiaki. They’re looking after the trees within our urban environment and that’s something they can really dig. When they first come in, a tree is just a tree to them. But as the course progresses, they start to understand that ‘wow’, this is a living thing. In tikanga Māori, even a tree has mauri (life force).” 

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Back on campus after lockdown

Tertiary institutions are now open, with in-person classes gradually resuming. But for some trades students, practical assessments on campus have been happening since Alert Level 3. 

NZMA’s Monique Le Marque, general manager of operations and business development, says small groups of invited students were able to come on campus for practical assessments thanks to careful health protocols. 

There were four cohorts from three trades – two for construction, one for electrical engineering, and one paint and plaster cohort. This included 10 MPTT students.

Monique says trainees were excited to get back into hands-on work after learning from home during the Level 4 lockdown.

“The morning greetings warmed the atmosphere with a glow of enthusiasm, as students were excited to get into practical tasks – whether cutting and nailing timber, wiring switch boards or plastering walls.

“It was good to see the drop saws in action, and hearing students talking and laughing was positive and gave us all a sense of some level of normality.”

The ongoing Covid-19 restrictions at Level 3 did make it difficult for some students to attend in-person classes, she says.

“Students were keen to get back to campus, however limited public transport seemed a challenge for some. With schools closed, childcare and home schooling priorities also prevented some students from attending.”

For NZMA to open safely, students and staff carefully followed public health advice. Each person registered electronically at the foyer on arrival, via a QR code or NZMA’s website. Masks, gloves and sanitiser were available for everyone on campus, and people were asked to bring their own meals and drink vessels. Each small cohort was allocated break times, so they didn’t interact with other bubbles on site. 

In line with the staggered approach the Government has outlined for Level 2, NZMA is gradually phasing in its classes on campus. 

“Even though campuses can reopen, it’s important to remember this is not a return to normal, and we have a responsibility to ensure physical distancing and contact tracing measures take place,” says Monique. 

“A phased approach allows us to manage the risks associated with reintroducing large groups of people in one go, and ensures we can confidently adhere to the Ministry of Health and Education requirements for on-campus learning for all our students and staff.”

This means many students have continued distance learning until the guidelines are reviewed, with only classes that are more practical resuming at first. 

Monique says students have adjusted well to learning from home, and NZMA has loaned devices to those who didn’t have their own to use.

“For some of our learners, online learning seemed difficult to comprehend at first. However, once the first hurdle was bridged and they became more familiar with online learning, they adapted well. 

“Students have been positive about continuing their learning and having a routine to keep them actively engaged throughout the lockdown.”


For more about how New Zealand’s recovery from the coronavirus impacts you and the trades industry, check out our Covid-19 page. We’ve pulled together advice, links and resources for our Māori and Pasifika communities and the trades industry, and we’ll continue to update it as the information changes.

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Success in the salon

As a shy kid growing up in South Auckland, Roxanne Scanlan was hampered by a fear of making mistakes and a “terrible” inability to converse. So how did she end up becoming a hairdresser who’s not only skilled in her craft, but also a star when it comes to interacting with clients? 

When Roxanne Scanlan started hairdressing, it was love at first cut. 

“Honestly, I just fell in love. I didn’t realise how natural it came to me,” she says. “It comes down to being hands-on. I’m a creative, visual person and my medium is face and it’s hair. I love to create and I love to sculpt.”

Roxanne channelled her creative talent into makeup artistry for more than 10 years before deciding to upskill as a hairdresser.

Roxanne, who’s a married mother of five, works two days a week at Bay Hair Design & Beauty in Onehunga to help support her family while she’s studying a Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 4) at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT).

Being in a real salon has shown Roxanne that hairdressing requires much more than the creativity that first sparked her interest. 

“You need creative flair, definitely. But being willing to learn is the best attribute. The minute you stop learning, the minute you think you’ve learnt everything and you’re the best, it’s over.”

Her boss, Kerrie Chalmers, says Roxanne’s teachability and listening skills are pure gold in the eyes of an employer. 

“When she’s in the salon, she’s so proactive and focussed on her learning, always wanting to know and understand things. I’ve had a lot of trainees over the years; she’s without a doubt the best one.” 

Cutting through self doubt

But Roxanne, who’s of European and Niuean descent, didn’t always think she had what it takes to be a good hairdresser.

“It’s funny because I was a completely shy kid but if you put on some music, I’d perform. My happy place was being on stage. Outside of that, I was shy.”

Being reserved and afraid of making mistakes held Roxanne back from pursuing her real passions for years. She trained in beauty therapy but decided to “go the safe route” by working in retail. 

“But I was terrible at retail — I could not create a conversation or build rapport,” she jokes.

Even so, Roxanne’s confidence grew as she worked her way up to a management position at The Body Shop, where she enjoyed the creative side of makeup and cosmetics.

“Over the years, I’ve learned that I am worth something and that I have something to say, and I have something to give back. So, whatever your skill is, use it. Don’t waste time — use it.”

While still working full-time, Roxanne became a qualified makeup artist in 2007. She then took the leap to start her own business, Roxanne Hair and Makeup, as a makeup artist and hair stylist. 

“I often did hair styling for clients – that was part of the job. But I had no knowledge of cutting, colouring, correction work, or anything.”  

Roxanne says hairdressing and makeup work are all about finding ways to enhance a person’s natural beauty, without changing who they are.  
On the right course

That all changed in 2018, when Roxanne heard about two things: the hairdressing course at MIT, and the MPTT scholarship. 

“By that stage, I wanted to explore something new that still had the creative side to it, and that complemented my existing hair and makeup skills.

“I could see there was a tonne of work and clients out there needing their hair done, so the option to study was the obvious choice.”

But, at 37, and with a husband and five kids aged between two and 10, she couldn’t afford to take on debt to retrain.

“I was not in a position to do that. I’d already studied so I wasn’t eligible for fees-free from the Government.”

But her cousin was doing a hairdressing course, and mentioned the MPTT scholarship.

Roxanne took the leap and did her Hairdressing Level 3 programme at MIT in July 2018, and is soon to complete the Level 4 programme.

“MPTT’s allowed me to do something I enjoy and I don’t have that worry at the back of my mind, going, ‘Man, I’ve got to work full-time to pay this debt off’. It’s really taken away that stress.”

True colours

Despite her former shyness, Roxanne’s discovered that not being overconfident actually makes her better at the job. 

Working with each client to find out what they want is a priority for Roxanne, rather than simply rushing ahead with what she thinks is the best cut, colour or style. 

“If it’s your way or nothing, you’d lose clients,” she says. 

She also loves hairdressing because it allows her to express her natural empathy to clients. 

“When clients come to the salon, it’s often a healing time for them. My clientele is women, who often have stories to share and offload. So it’s about giving them space to talk and feel heard.”

Being a busy mum of five kids, Roxanne makes the most of any rare opportunities to practise different looks on herself.

Kerrie says Roxanne’s calm approach is a huge asset. 

“Roxanne just handles pressure so well. She knows how to handle people in-store and she’s not flustered by anything. Also, as a mother, she knows how to juggle her time.”

And although hairdressing is often seen as a glamourous industry, Kerrie says it involves a lot of hard graft, which Roxanne’s not afraid of.  

“Some people think hairdressing is some kind of glorious job, that everybody looks good. And yes, the clients look really good, but it’s actually quite hard work to achieve that.”

Weaving her future together

Once Roxanne completes Level 4 in June, she’ll work towards gaining more experience in the salon, building a clientele, and then registering through HITO (NZ Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation) to complete her final assessments to become a fully registered hairdresser. 

She also wants to continue doing makeup and hair jobs on the side, through her existing freelance business.

“Bringing my skills of makeup and hairdressing together is kind of a harmonious alignment of two passions.”  

Roxanne says she’s excited about the range of career opportunities available as a hairdresser.

“I’ve opened up way more  than when I was just doing makeup. As a hairdresser, you could be touring with a production company as the main wig stylist, or you could end up doing film, television or commercials.

“Hairdressing is also a skill that’s easy to travel with. You just need your comb and your scissors — ok, maybe also an extra suitcase for your colours. Everyone’s going to need their hair done. You’ve always got clients.”

Learn more about hairdressing and the MPTT scholarship at www.maoripasifikatrades.co.nz/hairdressing

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Whānau away from home: hospo trainee’s dream job

Cool-headed catering manager Bridgit-Lee Morgan loves the fast-paced nature of her job, but not as much as she loves having a strong team around her. Bridgit knows when the pressure’s on, she can always turn to her work whānau for support — and a laugh.  

For someone who loves whānau and socialising as much as Bridgit-Lee Morgan, working in hospitality is the perfect career. 

“My workmates are like family — we spend so much time together at work and outside of work. Most of the time, there’s just a lot of talking about the jobs we do, our families, and things we’re getting up to. Always having somebody to talk to is the best part about it.” 

Abundant job opportunities, a skill to travel with and an awesome team — hospitality has ticked all the boxes for Bridgit.


Bridgit, 26, gained her L4 Certificate in Food and Beverage from Manukau Institute of Technology through an MPTT Auckland scholarship in 2017, and has been working for Baildon Hospitality for about three years. 

She’s quickly worked her way up the ranks, including time as a chef de partie, to take on a leadership position as catering manager at Baildon’s Fletcher Building Café in Penrose. 

Her job can be high-pressure but it’s definitely never boring.

“I’d done other jobs before I came into hospitality and, in most of those jobs, it was just me — there was no team. Whereas now, I do have a team and I’ve got back-up. 

“It’s awesome because no matter what I’m doing or how much pressure I’m under, I’ve always got a helping hand somewhere.”

An early taste for catering

Studying hospitality was a natural fit for Bridgit (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), who grew up catering with whānau for large groups — celebrations, birthdays, tangi — at Hia Kaitupeka Marae and Kaurirki Marae in Taumarunui. 

“Because of my experience on maraes, that sort of thing was common sense to me. I didn’t realise how much I already knew. It was cool to realise I could make good money out of it, rather than just being told what to do by my family!”

Bridgit is still close with her family — she lives with her siblings and parents in their family home in South Auckland. Her sister has a house just down the road as well.

“I’m constantly back and forth between houses!”

A full plate

As catering manager, Bridgit is responsible for making sure food and beverages are provided for five to 10 functions every day. Functions range in size from 10 to 200 people, and even up to several thousand people occasionally. 

“I’ve been told that I’m calm under pressure,” says Bridgit. “We have catering requests pop up without much notice and I have to make 100 of this or 100 of that and I’m like, ‘Yep, it’s all good — I’ll get it done within the hour’.”

Handling multiple catering orders at a time can be stressful, but Bridgit prides herself on staying calm and keeping a smile on.


Brian Sewell, managing director of Baildon Hospitality, says Bridgit’s role requires excellent organisational skills. 

“Bridgit’s main traits are her reliability and time management. She’s someone we really rely on and we know she’s always there to do the job.”

“On an average day, emails come in requesting catering, so Bridgit picks up on those emails and coordinates them. Then she works alongside the chefs on the hot line, as well as doing her own food preparation and assembly for it, and then she arranges for all this to be delivered.”


Hungry to learn

Brian says Bridgit has leapt at every opportunity to develop her catering and leadership skills.   

“She’s taken not just to the professional training, but also to developing within herself. When we lost our catering manager at the end of last year, we gave Bridgit the opportunity to step into that role, and she’s really grasped it.” 

Bridgit says taking on a leadership role has meant growing her overall level of professionalism. 

“I used to be a bit casual in my approach, but I’ve got better at my communication and just being more professional all round.” 

Her goals for the future include doing an apprenticeship at some stage, and possibly starting her own catering business. 

“I’ve had so many people I know hitting me up asking if i can cater events for them, so I’m just trying to work out how to do that outside of my normal work hours.”

Food for thought

Brian says for anyone who’s reliable, organised and likes serving others, there’s no shortage of jobs in the hospitality sector. 

It’s a great career option with plenty of chances to climb the ladder, he says. 

“There’s a real misconception that catering, and hospitality in general, is kind of a stop-gap. People think it’s something you go into while deciding what to do. But it’s more than that — it’s a lifelong occupation.

“For someone like Bridgit — and actually, all of our senior management are Māori — this is actually a career for them. That’s something we love to promote.” 

Bridgit hopes that sharing her story will inspire hospitality trainees to believe in themselves, finish their studies and push on for success. 


Find out more about a career in hospitality, where and how to train, and whether you might be eligible for an MPTT scholarship at www.maoripasifikatrades.co.nz/hospitality

Also, read our story about Bridgit from 2016, when she travelled to Fiji with other MPTT Auckland trainees to help build cyclone-resistant homes for low-income families — www.maoripasifikatrades.co.nz/hospo-skills-honed-on-the-marae/