Packing tools for Vanuatu, from left, trades
students Cory Atkenson, Jarrod Rogers- Hughes,
Jacob Renall and Rayne Hungahunga.

Seven hand-picked Māori and Pasifika students enrolled in EIT trades programmes are helping rebuild medical centres in Vanuatu after its lashing by Cyclone Pam.

The students are from a Manakura group, an EIT initiative supporting Māori and Pacific Island achievement.

Led by head of school for trades and technology Todd Rogers and EIT tutors, the plumbing, electrical, carpentry and automotive students will re-roof and re-clad a health centre in the remote village of Paunagnisu and upgrade a medical centre in Erakor in the south of the island group.

“It is such a good opportunity for these young people.” Todd says of the trip to Vanuatu.

One of the group, Jarrod Rogers-Hughes from Ruatoria is an electrical student at EIT in Hawke’s Bay. Jarrod’s accommodation costs are being covered by Te Runanga o Ngati Porou and his study fees by a Māori and Pasifika Trades Training scholarship.

Major sponsors are The Skills Organisation, MITO (the industry training organisation for the motor industry), the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand, ITM and the EIT Students’ Association.