What is your current title for work?

Training Advisor

When did you start in construction?

2002

When did you decide working in construction was the thing you wanted to do:

I had done well at school and was giving Uni a go but wasn’t enjoying it. I had no direction, and I wasn’t heading towards a particular goal or career.

A good friend had recently become qualified having started building at 16, and he had taken on another mate as an apprentice. They needed help for a couple of weeks, and that was me hooked.

I could still work towards a qualification and be outdoors, gain lifelong skills, and still scratch that academic itch figuring out plans, and constantly problem solving. 

What are you most passionate about?

I have now moved into the training side of construction, and deal with apprentices on a day-to-day basis. I am passionate about helping our current learners and future tradies, not just on site, but by also being vocal about where trades are headed, how our qualifications do and don’t work, and how industry and training could evolve and better suit the evolving construction industry.

Why did you join NAWIC?

A couple of years ago I became a BCITO Champion for Women, being the rep for the Manawatū/Hawkes Bay area. I put my hand up as a I had a larger percentage of female learners on my database than most Training Advisors, and I have two daughters that I would love to see have the opportunity to enjoy the trades if they wished.

I became a member of NAWIC, and this year (2025) joining the committee was the next natural step. This way I feel I can have a strong link between our site based wāhine, BCITO, and NAWIC.

What would you like to see for the future of women in construction?

I would love to see more women participating in our trades.  Coming through, I never had the opportunity to work alongside any wāhine and saw some of the attitudes present that would have made life difficult on site.

I believe we are turning a corner in that respect, but there is still plenty more work to be done.

Words of wisdom or tips for women at the start of or considering a career in construction:

Be yourself. I think some women think they need to be ‘one of the boys’ to fit in on site and in construction. Some are happy to do that as well, but the reason we want more women in the trades is for their unique experience, perspectives, and strengths.

You shouldn’t have to be someone different at work.

What is your favourite thing to do for fun:

Most of my time is spent with family, ferrying my two girls to gymnastics and back! Then the dog goes to the park in between!

I think I’m happiest travelling and seeing new sights and trying new things. We moved to the Manawatū 5 years ago from Auckland, and we still have heaps to see and do in this part of the country!