On Friday 24 March, twelve years after work started, we have finally been able to officially open the “Craig Walker Technology Centre”.

The event was celebrated with a tour of the technology facilities and then the Honourable Paula Bennett declared the centre open.

Once the formalities were complete, guests were served a lunch that was prepared by the students in our first year Hospitality Academy.

Craig was a foundation student and his wife, Sharon, started a year later. Since that time, the Walkers have maintained their association with Massey High School with their daughters Kylie and Rhianan and now their granddaughter Cameron attending the school.

Craig has a special interest in Technology and the Vocational Academies and he has contributed hugely in many ways. In particular, his company has facilitated three additional classrooms, shifted four student-built houses to their final sites (the longest trip being to Waimate North) and has donated the proceeds from the sale of four houses which he has purchased and renovated.

He is also responsible for much of the recent painting, concreting and site works around the back of the school.

On top of this, he has provided opportunities for the staff on a number of occasions and contributed to professional development and uniform expenses, to name just a few.

Perhaps most importantly he has contributed himself and his knowledge, in particular, of building. It was Craig who stepped up when we needed to design a different house build for the Carpentry Academy. It is Craig who spends time with our students who are likely to be involved in the building and construction industries.

Craig, Sharon, Kylie, Dave, Rhianan, Matt and the CWBR team, we thank you.

Special acknowledgement must go to Mr Skinner, Mrs Hanson, Mrs Ngaue, Mrs van Niekerk and the Technology Team led by Mrs Crawford.