Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora
Year one and two students from Rangiora Borough School were invited to 61-65 Church Street opposite their school, to view the construction of new Kāinga Ora homes in action from a bird’s eye view on an elevated platform.
The very excited children received a lesson in site safety from Contract Construction, who are building the new homes, that included a fun game of ‘spot the safety feature’. They were also able to ask Kāinga Ora staff questions about how the organisation builds homes for whānau in need.
Year seven and eight students then came along to a panel question and answer session, with representatives from across the construction industry, who work with Kāinga Ora and Contract Construction, sharing what they do in their construction roles.
Each panellist let the students know how they ended up working in the construction industry and why they love what they do. This was followed by some questions from the students.
Rangiora Borough School Principal Shane Buckner says the kids had a great time up on the platform looking down at the new homes being built and learning about the construction process and the safety features on site.
“You could tell by the look on their faces and the inquisitive questions they had that they were enjoying themselves.
“Our older students really appreciated hearing about the prospects of a career in construction. It got them thinking about what subjects they may like to engage with as they get prepared to take the leap to their first year of high school.
“We’re really thankful to Kāinga Ora for creating this opportunity to see the construction of much-needed new homes in action and for the fantastic information they provided about the meaningful work they do in the community,” Shane says.
Kāinga Ora Canterbury Regional Director Liz Krause says it was wonderful to connect with the local school and provide this opportunity to some of the community’s young people.
“We have a steady stream of new homes in the pipeline for Waimakariri so having an opportunity to connect and show people what we do is so valuable.
“We hope we were also able to inspire a few budding tradies or health and safety advocates to consider a career in the construction industry,” says Liz.
Construction panel Q&A session.