Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga and the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) Hawke’s Bay are piloting an innovative scheme aimed at equipping young Māori in Hastings with work skills and jobs with local builders.

The joint venture between Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, who represent local marae interests, and EIT Hawke’s Bay, which will provide the tertiary training, is supported by Te Puni Kōkiri’s Takitimu regional office. Te Puni Kōkiri facilitated the process to enable marae representatives to design the initiative.

Te Puni Kōkiri was also instrumental in brokering relationships between the key stakeholders including marae, Māori builders and construction workers, the Master Builders Association and others.