M. Stephens, Director Building Trades Academy

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The Building Academy students have successfully completed the construction of two more  brand-new whare for Kainga Ora, marking a significant milestone in their building journey. These homes, a 4 Bedroom and a 2 Bedroom which began construction in 2024, have been carefully built by the hard-working students of both the 2024 and 2025 cohorts.

Constructing new whare provides a unique hands-on learning experience, where students are able to apply the skills they've learned in the classroom to a real-world construction project. From laying the foundations to finishing the interiors, the students worked together efficiently, demonstrating teamwork, dedication, and a high level of craftsmanship. The students were able to showcase their knowledge and abilities under the guidance of their tutors and industry professionals.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the way the two groups of students collaborated. The 2024 students laid the groundwork and completed much of the initial work, while the 2025 students picked up where their peers left off, ensuring the homes were finished to a high standard. This seamless transition between the two year groups reflects the strong teamwork and mentoring culture within the Building Academy.

The 2 whare will now be transported to a new permanent site in Rotorua, where they will provide much-needed homes for the community. This project not only benefits the students but also contributes to addressing housing needs in the region. The construction of 2 new 2 Bedroom homes will now begin.

Special mention goes to all of our subcontractors, our suppliers, RECT, Ngati Whakaue and our awesome Building Academy team. We are all incredibly proud of the dedication and skill our students have shown throughout this project, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these homes will have on their new owners. 

Ngā mihi nui

Mike Stephens

Director Building Trades Academy