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hard news
Bunnings says
“welcome”
Aided by Bunnings, New Zealand
Red Cross’ Pathways to Settlement Programme will be delivering welcome packs to former refugees’ households to help them settle into their new Kiwi homes.
Hand-packed and donated by local Bunnings teams, the welcome packs are filled with essential household items, including laundry and cleaning supplies, kitchen and bathroom essentials and electrical products such as power boards.
The first Bunnings packs made their way to Red Cross teams in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill.
“We are so grateful for this incredible support from Bunnings,” says Rachel O’Connor, New Zealand Red Cross General Manager Migration.
“Having these packs available in every home where we are welcoming our former refugee arrivals brings real joy to our team.
“As well as providing household essentials, the packs are a tangible expression of manaakitanga and say much about the kindness and compassion of Kiwis.”
Bunnings New Zealand Director Ben Camire says: “Our local teams have worked closely with New Zealand Red Cross for many years, supporting the great work they do in the local community during times of crisis and hardship.
“We are proud to be able to build on this support and help New Zealand Red Cross continue the important work they do through the Pathways to Settlement Programme”.
www.redcross.org.nz www.bunnings.co.nz
Who is 2021’s Apprentice of the Year?
IN THE FINAL showdown against nine other apprentices, Jarred Badham of Palmerston North’s Nailing It has been awarded the 2021 Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year, in partnership with CARTERS.
Second place went to the Waikato’s Hayden Lambert who’s employed
by SJR Builders, while Joshua Fraser from Auckland and employed by Craft Renovations, took the final podium spot. All three were trained by BCITO.
Judges were most impressed by Jarred’s ability to go the extra-mile in all aspects of the competition and in his apprenticeship.
“Jarred has an extremely good understanding and knowledge of
the industry and strong working relationships. What stood out was his experience in using innovative products.
“During his apprenticeship Jarred has already had the experience of working with transportable housing, and other alternative products.”
“Prior to becoming a carpentry apprentice, Jarred trained in the Airforce as a helicopter technician. This is where he may have developed his hunger for product knowledge and his excellent technical detail. Jarred’s presentation was
impeccable, and he was well prepared. Jarred scored highly in all areas. A very well-deserved win,” said the judges.
Registered Master Builders Chief Executive David Kelly was impressed with the talent and resilience shown by 2021’s top 10 apprentices in the face of a very different competition to usual.
“It’s encouraging to see these apprentices step up in a time where things can feel very uncertain. The competition did look a little different this year, however, I am extremely impressed with the level of skill, knowledge,
and dedication the apprentices have displayed.
“Learning new skills and applying themselves is challenging at the best of times but doing so under the conditions of the past 18 months is a real testament to their dedication and commitment.”
Committed to supporting apprentices and the industry’s future leaders, long term sponsor CARTERS’ Chief Executive Mike Guy says: “We’re really proud to have been sponsoring the Apprentice of the year competition for 17 years – and in that time, we’ve seen some incredibly talented apprentices go on to have really successful careers.”
www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz
6 NZHJ | NOVEMBER 2021
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