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RURAL HOMES & BUILDINGS
Kudos for helping keep talent in the system The training industry that upskills and qualifies people in building trades is welcoming the Government’s budget injection into the sector. Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation chief executive Warwick Quinn says the real strength of Budget 2020 is that the Government has recognised various sides of the
training industry. “The residential sector is by far the largest training ground for construction skills, and construction firms having work is critical to apprentice numbers. “The extra 8000 new public and transitional homes, and the Warmer Kiwi Homes package, is a nod to help maintain the supply of work and drive skill demand by employers who will also be supported if they take on apprentices.”
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Warwick says the government investment also acknowledges that New Zealand needs to continue to develop and grow our skills during recessionary times “as historically we’ve struggled to have sufficient skills when the market recovers”. “Free fees for all for two years, support for group training schemes, support for Maori and Pasifika trades training and trade academies in schools is all targeted at this,” says Warwick. “Finally, the fast-tracking of the Reforms to Vocational Education and the establishment of the six Workforce Development Councils by the end of the year will pave the way for industry training organisations and polytechs to work closely together and form the NZ Institute of Skills and Technology. “For too long we have been competitors and we have to remove those incentives, so we work together for the best interests of employers and learners.” While the nature of the current crisis is in many ways
unprecedented, Warwick says the construction sector has been through recessions many times before – the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, Canterbury earthquakes, the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the stock market crash of 1987 – with similar results. “The core challenge for the
construction sector is retaining apprentices in the system. This package goes a long way towards breaking the ‘boom and bust cycle’ and keeping talent in the system.” Warwick stresses now is a great time to enter the trades. “There will be roles available, and we need to stress it is not all about being ‘on the tools’. As people look to their next career move, the building and construction sector offers a range of opportunities.” Apprentice numbers in construction are tied directly to the health of building and construction firms, and particularly to residential construction firms, says Warwick. Currently, BCITO has more than 13,000 active trainees and apprentices. Last year, building and construction was NZ’s third largest sector, directly contributing $19 billion to the country’s GDP. Residential building forms the backbone of the sector, accounting for 60 per cent of its revenue, and employing 80 per cent of apprentices.
A rural gem up for grabs in Hawke’s Bay A rural farming station – with an impressive characterful homestead boasting modern perks – has come on the market for the first time in northern Hawke’s Bay.
Having been faithfully farmed by the Powdrell family for the past four generations, the 471ha Opoho Station, which is located 22km from Wairoa, is now for sale. In addition to the 471ha of freehold land, Opoho includes another 218ha of co-owned land, bringing the total to 690ha. Included is Opoho’s homestead – a classic standard for hill country A peek inside the beautiful kitchen, with its stations, with characterful early-1900s charm. early-1900s charm meeting part of the station’s income.” modern day living demands, complete In the last few seasons Opoho has with French doors, four bedrooms and a run circa 9250 stock units, split almost stunning established garden offering an 50:50 between sheep and cattle. The oasis after a day of farming demands. property has enjoyed a good level of Bayleys agent Simon Bousfield says infrastructure investment over the years, Opoho holds considerable appeal including 81 subdivided paddocks. because of the flexibility and land use Temporary four-wire electric fencing opportunities its location, contour and is used on the flats as required and allclimate bring. weather access throughout the property “Land use has included town supply via metalled tracks. dairying, kiwifruit during the 1980s, On top of Opoho’s homestead is a and more recently growing significant second weatherboard dwelling, while areas of maize for both grain and feed a third four-bedroom property is supply. well positioned for a farm manager “Dedicated crops including chicory, or farm staff member. The property’s lucerne and silage production are shearers’ quarters are also in exceptional testimony to the flats’ productive condition near the main home. capacity. Honey production also forms
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