Fun networking at He Toki Industry Challenge

Ākonga from our He Toki pre-trades training programme got to mix with local employers and former students during a friendly evening of competition, connection, and kai.

This was the second year of the He Toki Industry Challenge, which welcomed industry partners, employers, tauira, graduates, whānau, and staff to ‘The Barn’ in our trades building.

Guests were split up into mixed teams, giving them the chance to connect and network with others in a fun environment as they tackled a series of challenges including mini-golf, axe throwing, and cutting wood to a perfect length.

Current student Charlie Andrews says he’s enjoyed learning how to build a house this year (his group are nearly finished building their house for sale).

“He Toki is a great programme. I’ve learnt a lot of new skills and they treat us like family,” he says.

William Woolnough, Kaiwhakatere for Māori and Pasifika Trades Training, says guests enjoyed the light-hearted competition and the chance to meet and network in a relaxed environment.

“I’m hugely grateful to our partners who supported the event through sponsorship and industry engagement, including Stellar Recruitment, Milwaukee, Makita, Road Materials, PlaceMakers, OP Carpentry Pre-Trade, and OP Industry Training Apprenticeships.”

Gary Arlidge, Construction Manager with Naylor Love, says the company usually takes half a dozen work experience students from Otago Polytechnic each year along with a couple of apprentices, and says the programme is really important.

“These students are getting a good grounding, so when they come to us they’ve got a good background covering skills and safety, and we just build from that.”

Former graduate Stevan Asperen recently joined PlaceMakers as a new Account Manager, but says the business has partnered with Otago Polytechnic for decades.

“We provide all of the materials for the three student-built houses each year. and we support the prizegivings and events like this.”

He says the competition-style event made it easy for everyone to talk to each other and opens up a good pathway for the young learners.

A team from City Care Water working alongside OP Carpentry students claimed the supreme award for a second year in a row, the Ngā Hua o te Kotahitanga - He Toki Whānau Industry Award (Strength Through Connection).

“Their ongoing support of the He Toki kaupapa reflects the very values that this award represents, and serves as a reminder that the strongest outcomes are created through connection, partnership, and a shared commitment to developing the future workforce,” says William.

The evening also showcased some inspiring examples of what those industry connections can achieve.

The He Toki Graduates Team featured Corey Lindon, a qualified carpenter from Cook Brothers Construction, working alongside one of our newest He Toki lecturers, Tere Teremoana.

Corey joined Cook Brothers Construction back in 2021, and was recognised for his hard work and talent as the company’s National Apprentice of the Year in 2025.

Corey says he enjoyed the opportunity to come back to Otago Polytechnic and reunite with staff and alumni.

“He Toki really set me up well for my apprenticeship. It gave me a broad taste of everything across the wider industry like roofing and other aspects.”

2021 classmate Tere recently returned to the Dunedin campus as a carpentry lecturer with He Toki.

He believes the unique trades pathway offers a valuable blend of skills and support.

“The unity that it provides, the support in the background for ākonga, and the sense of belonging to a team,” says Tere.

Horizon Roofing is another local business that's keen to continue their engagement, having employed a He Toki student following a successful work experience placement.

Moana House was well represented with two competitive teams, highlighting the strength of our wider community connections.

And Tabitha Bettis from EarnLearn and OP lecturer Ian Jenkins took part in support of our Electrical apprentices and pre-trade ākonga, showcasing the strong sense of whanaungatanga and engagement within our trades programmes.