Skip Content
Wahine trades

Construction stereotypes are taking a hammering at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, as three tauira wāhine pick up the tools for all the right reasons.

Auckland’s Taynisha Broughton, Mereanna Para and Nancy Edwards have faced many challenges in their lives, but studying the Level 3 Certificate in Construction Trade Skills-Carpentry programme is not one of them.

“It’s great. If you want it and that’s what you want to do, try it, you might like it. It’s good fun,” says Taynisha.

Her desire to learn carpentry honours her Ngāti Ruanui father, a builder, who passed away when she was 28.

Growing up on his work-sites, Taynisha now wants to consolidate her knowledge and skills with a formal qualification.

“He taught me a lot so being here is good because it feels like he’s around.”

She hopes he'd be proud of what she's doing “and if I get a job that would be a bonus”.

For Mereana of Ngā Puhi, being her own boss in the trades is a goal she’s closer to nailing.

 “I want to be my own contractor as a carpenter so just learning these hands-on practical skills is awesome. I love it,” she says.

“Having other females on course is good too. To have that mix there is good. Everyone gets on.”

 Nancy says she wanted to try something new and has no regrets moving from the office to the workshop.

 “I’m mainly a computer person so I didn’t think I’d be doing this but I’m liking it. It’s actually better than sitting at a desk. I get to move around and I’m enjoying myself.”

The Manurewa resident, of Tainui descent says crunching the numbers is hard, but with support from her peers her confidence keeps growing as she considers a building apprenticeship.

 “Don’t worry what people think and don’t be scared to put yourself out there. You can accomplish anything if you want to.”

 Kaiwhakahaere Ako Tony Gomwe says he is encouraged by the increase in wāhine participation and credits kaiako John Olo-Whaanga, small class sizes, individual attention and technology driven learning for this.

“Te Wānanga o Aotearoa provides an all-inclusive and supportive environment right from the beginning. It’s just a real look at how we are different.”

Construction apprenticeship provider BCITO chief executive Warwick Quinn says more than 65,000 construction workers are needed over the next five years to meet industry demand.

 “The sector is crying out for workers and our traditional workforce pools are not meeting demand – boosting gender diversity is vital.”

 Back to news & events

Published On:

Article By:



Other Articles

  • 09 April 2025

    Rangatahi carving their own way forward

    Discover how Tāmaki rangatahi are carving their way into a brighter future through the Mahi ā Toi Academy at Rutherford College. Learn how this programme blends traditional Māori art of whakairo with modern tools, fostering a strong connection to whakapapa and Māori culture.

  • 9 April 2025

    Finding strength and a future through social work

    Discover the inspiring journey of Tessa Thompson, a social work tauira at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Learn how the Manaaki Tāngata programme and dedicated kaiako helped her overcome challenges and pursue a career in social work. Explore her commitment to making a positive impact on her whānau and community in Kawerau, and her aspirations to mentor rangatahi.

  • 02 April 2025

    Following the footsteps of her māmā: Haani Huata-Allen's path to PhD

    Follow the inspiring journey of Haani Huata-Allen, inaugural recipient of the Te Manawahoukura Residency at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Learn how this groundbreaking residency supports kaimahi in their Rangahau projects, allowing Haani to focus on her PhD in Reo Revitalisation through Kapa Haka. Discover the impact of Indigenous research and the importance of continuing education inspired by her mother, Dr Te Rita Papesch.

  • 27 March 2025

    A whakairo journey shaped by art and community

    Murray ‘Muzz’ Green (Te Kanawa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Whatakaraka, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Te Kiriwai, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Ngutū, Whānau-a-Apanui and Ngāti Porou) left school at 15 when he realised conventional education wasn’t for him.