Hera Eruera
Lifting Whānau, Lifting Futures
A proud Pasifika and Māori woman, Hera is showing what determination, grit, and heart can build. A mother of two young children and Senior Plumber, Gasfitter, Drainlayer, Roofer Apprentice with Auckland Plumbers Group, Hera has worked in construction for more than 13 years.
Her path began back in high school, where supportive gateway teachers encouraged her to try off-campus courses at MIT and Unitec.
“I always chose woodwork,” Hera laughs. “Little Hera back then would’ve cracked up if you told her she’d be a plumber one day!”
She’s now thriving in a tough part of the sector — once the only woman in a class of sixteen apprentices — and has earned national recognition as Highly Commended in NAWIC’s 2023 Apprentice Excellence Award and Women in Trades NZ Keynote Speaker Award 2022.
Hera’s skill and professionalism impress even the most sceptical clients, but her influence reaches far beyond the tools. She mentors Māori and Pasifika women, advocates for equal pay, and calls for more representation and visibility of women in trades, from small-town workshops to national projects like BUILDhers.
“Take the first step, sis! Be your authentic self and tackle every challenge head-on,” she says. “There’s a whole community of wāhine trades supporting you.”
Passionate about helping her whānau and community, Hera spends her free time volunteering at her marae, diving for kaimoana, or making memories with her husband and children. Through her social-media storytelling and appearances on Wāhine on the Tools, she’s inspiring others to pick up the wrenches — and the courage — to follow.
“We need more women helping build our country’s future,” Hera says. “And I’m here for it.”
