2013 New Zealand “Tool Blacks” announced
WorldSkills New Zealand media release, 4 September 2012
The team to represent New Zealand at WorldSkills 2013 has been named this week, with 14 young tradespeople from around
the country earning their place as “Tool Blacks”.
Held every two years, WorldSkills 2013 is an international competition in which skilled tradespeople from around the
world compete for the honour of being recognised as the best in their vocation.
In July next year more than 1000 competitors from 61 countries will descend upon Leipzig, Germany, to compete in 45
different categories. These include traditional trades, such as cooking, plumbing and welding, but also a number of
newer disciplines, such as aircraft maintenance and floristry.
The competition is open to anyone who has completed their training and in under the age of 22.
New Zealand’s “Tool Blacks” were selected after the WorldSkills New Zealand national finals in July this year, which saw
the best young apprentices from eight regions around New Zealand battle it out.
Peter Spencer, Chief Executive of WorldSkills New Zealand, said there are a number of benefits that come from these
competitions.
“Our young tradespeople learn to set goals for themselves and excel under all kinds of pressure, which is great for
their self-confidence, but mainly it’s about benchmarking our training against the best from around the world to ensure
we are training to the highest standards.
“It’s great for New Zealand too. These competitions highlight career opportunities and encourage young New Zealanders to
take up trades and work hard to succeed, and we also get the opportunity to show the quality of our workforce on the
international stage.”
The “Tool Blacks” now have 10 months to get in as much training and practice as they can to ensure they’ll be ready to
take on the world at WorldSkills 2013.
ENDS
2013 Tool Black TeamSkill CategoryCompetitorEmployerTown/RegionExpert/TrainerEmployerTown/RegionAircraft MaintenanceMichael WestRNZAFAuckland Michael NausRNZAFBlenheim Autobody RepairJake AckersHolland Collision CentreRolleston Rick LunnRegent Training CentreWhangarei Automotive TechnologyRodney NelsonFieldpower NorthlandWhangarei Lucas ConnewNorthtecWhangarei Car PaintingJoshua FistonichPhill Clark Panelbeaters LtdOrewa Roger HiiniResene Automotive and Light IndustrialAucklandCookingWilliam MordidoSky City AucklandAucklandStephen PopeAoraki PolytechnivWellingtonElectrical InstallationsLogan HanifinLaser ElectricalTimaru Luke BoustridgeElectrical Training Company (ETCO)AucklandIndustrial ControlJonathan McFallDalton Electrical LtdAucklandShaun McInerneyBremca TaurangaTauranga Floristry Nicole HazlehurstFlowers & Balloon, AshburtonAshburton Nina StanleyPink Poppie Designer FloristBlenheimHairdressingCait WoodcockSpectra HairPalmerston NorthNiq JamesChristchurchJoineryJames Buchanan4 TradesDunedinPeter Leith Leith JoineryDunedinPlumbing & HeatingMitchell BoneBlakemore & Lee PlumbingWellingtonRitchie GorrieCPITChristchurchPolymechanicsMark StrangeSWPE LtdTokoroaRoland SpirigWINTECHamiltonSheet Metal TechnologySteve BrooksCompetenzPalmerston NorthWeldingJaric SavillAztec EngineeringLower HuttJason BealsNZDFPalmerston North
Sheet metal: Currently Sheet metal is overseeing further training before making a final decision between two National
Competition finalists. It is expected that the competitor for Leipzig will be decided before Xmas 2012.
ENDS