NZMA Trading their Time and Skills for Men's Mental Health Week

It’s one of the biggest issues facing New Zealand, and NZMA Trades campus are acknowledging Men’s Health Week by collaborating with the Master Builders Association, Roof Improvements, Calibre Homes, and Mitre 10 to build a Men’s shed. When built, it will be auctioned with proceeds going to Mike King’s mental health charity.

A group of talented NZMA students were specially selected to work on this project, and they are relishing the challenge. The students are enthusiastic, and are being mentored by the Master Builders representatives.

As the only female student in the team, NZMA student Jackline Lovo said, “I was nervous today, as I felt the pressure was on. But I’m getting a great experience, and I’m using my carpentry skills to build something worthwhile. I’ve got good mates here, and we look out for each other to make sure they’re ok. I feel good contributing to this project for such a worthy cause”.

NZMA Campus Manager, Tony Atina said, “This project will be finished by Friday, and the students will feel a real sense of achievement. This is a new team working together, getting to know each other, and also understanding that we need to talk about issues like health, and we can start those chats here in the workplace. We have a counsellor that comes in weekly, and we are encouraging our students to talk about everything. We’re hoping to build good habits”.