Masterton carpentry apprentice Paris Ternent-James. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
EMMA BROWN
[email protected]
Wairarapa Master Builders is calling all women in and around trades to join them for an evening of celebration and motivation at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park, in Masterton tonight.
Held in conjunction with National Association of Women in Construction NZ and Building and Construction Apprenticeships, the Women in Construction event will bring women from all aspects of the construction industry together to enjoy a night of inspirational speakers and networking.
Registered Master Builders Wairarapa branch president Paul Southey said the aim was to bring women together to celebrate the work they do as they are often pivotal parts of a business, yet the unsung heroes of construction.
“We wanted to bring all the ladies together to celebrate and also network.
“These are the wives behind doing the books or looking after the kids, those helping run the business, office ladies, design, and those in a trade and everything in between.”
Construction has the highest suicide rate in New Zealand and Master Builders is looking at different ideas to help people in the industry and get people talking.
They have been pushing male mental health and also women in construction.
“Master Builders is trying to do things differently, as everybody should be working together to come up with ideas to benefit each other in Wairarapa,” Southey said.
The speakers for the evening include personal development coach Maree McManaway, history-making rugby referee Rebecca Mahoney, and NZ Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers board member Colleen Upton who will talk about the benefits of women in trades.
As an employer, Upton is known for leading the charge for a diverse workforce and is particularly passionate about helping young apprentices succeed in their careers.
The event will also feature a panel of women from different trades around the region who will answer questions about their own experiences, the advice they were given, and would give.
The event takes place from 5.30-7.30pm.
Tickets are available for $10. Booking is essential – [email protected]
