Plimmerton Rotary support Whitireia Trade graduate

Plimmerton Rotary Club support Whitireia Trade graduate with Award

On Wednesday, a graduate of the Certificate in Carpentry at Whitireia, Moana Nui A Kiwa Greening, had his hard work and dedication to his trade recognised by being presented with The Randall Shaw Memorial Award. This award is given annually by the Rotary Club of Plimmerton Inc in association with Brights Building Supplies Ltd of Paremata.

This award is to encourage new entrants to the building trade to strive for the highest trade practices and ethical standards. In addition to a certificate of achievement, the recipient receives a grant of $1000 to purchase trade tools from Brights Building Supplies.

Rotary member, Jenny Shaw, said she was “honoured and privileged to present the award to Moana as the widow of Randall Shaw and as a member of the Rotary Club of Plimmerton.” The award is a memorial award for Randall Shaw, who lost his battle with cancer 18 months ago.

“At 27 Randall gave up a job in the secure environment of a bank to take up his hobby and change his career path to that of carpentry,” says Shaw. “By doing residential construction, where he loved working with timber and tools, he was able to help people realise their dreams, be it for an alteration or extension to their home or a lovely architecturally designed house. I hope the recipient of the award enjoys using the tools chosen and I hope he goes on in his building career to make a difference to the people he works with, and in his community.”

Plimmerton Rotary president David Pine said “this is an opportunity to encourage students to strive to obtain high standards and understand the importance of hard work.”

Moana’s father was a carpenter and Moana says he “grew up following his dad around outside, using tools and working around the house.” He says being given the award “is quite humbling. It is something to hang on the wall and be proud of. I really want to thank Rotary and Brights for this wonderful opportunity.”

One of Moana’s carpentry tutors at Whitireia, Guy Harris, says “Moana went out and made this happen by himself, which is a real credit to him. Any employer would be very fortunate to have someone like Moana working for them.”

This is the second award presented by the Rotary Club of Plimmerton to a Whitireia trade student.

Mayor Jenny Brash attended the ceremony and presented Moana with his certificate. She spoke about the important need in the community for skilled tradesmen. “This trade’s facility is a real credit to Whitireia and achievements like this show the dedication of the staff and the support students get here.”

Local MP the Hon Winnie Laban also attended the event and praised Moana for his dedication. “This goes to show that dreams are possible – no matter where you come from and what you do you can achieve it if you put your mind to it. This is a wonderful achievement. Moana, go hard! If Randall could do it, so can you.”

Moana says he’s looking forward to picking out some new tools and continuing with his trade’s career. Moana currently has an apprenticeship with Dave Mudge of Mudge builders.

ENDS

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