Skip Content
Chevron Murray

Building was always something Chevron Murray thought would be a good job but it wasn’t until he went online and found a course at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa that he did anything about it.

So last year he signed up for the NZ Certificate in Construction Trades (Carpentry) Level 3 programme and is now completing the first year of his apprenticeship with Hawkes Bay construction company Stead Construction.

A career in the building industry had “always been at the back of my mind,” Chevron says.

“It was pretty much always something I wanted to do.”

The year-long course provides students with the basic skills and knowledge to begin a career in building and construction. As part of the programme, students contribute to the construction of a relocatable house, which is sold on completion.

By the end of the course students are ready to undertake an apprenticeship and Chevron says he’s glad to have the opportunity to kickstart his career and is enjoying being part of the workforce.

“It is a big change, you’ve got a little bit more responsilibility,” he says.

Rather than working on a relocatable home, Chevron is now helping build a 36-block apartment complex.

During the course, Chevron was also a recipient of the Maori Pacific Trades Training scholarship and is entitled to $1000 tool grant, which he says he’s looking forward to receiving. 

“That will help out a lot,” he says.

 Back to news & events

Published On: 3 December, 2019

Article By: Tracey Cooper



Other Articles

  • 20 August 2025

    Gain cultural confidence in the corporate world through Piharoa workshops

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Piharoa workshops empower corporate leaders with cultural confidence through mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Discover how this executive development programme fosters authentic engagement with Māori communities and transforms workplace culture.

  • 20 August 2025

    He aha tēnei mea te Tāne Māori? Tu's Rangahau journey

    Tutakangahau (Tu) Williams, recipient of the Dr Morehu McDonald Residency, shares his Rangahau journey exploring Māori masculinity and identity. Learn how his passion for reading, writing, and kaupapa Māori research is shaping his path toward a PhD and future as a kairangahau.

  • 14 August 2025

    Born to heal through rongoā and mirimiri

    Leeann Warena’s journey through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Rongoā Māori programme helped her transform a lifelong gift into a healing practice. Discover how mirimiri, mātauranga Māori, and purposeful study empowered her to support others and embrace her calling.

  • 13 August 2025

    Tautoko turned transformation for Northland local

    Piri-Kapua Allen’s journey at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa began with supporting his mum and evolved into a personal transformation through te reo Māori. Discover how whānau, whakawhanaungatanga, and a supportive learning environment helped him reclaim identity and thrive.