Clients get hands-on on the Renovation of Four Pacific Church Project
Clients get hands-on on the Renovation of Four Pacific Church Project
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In response to COVID19, the Provincial Growth Fund released funds for the Renovations of the Pacific churches and Maraes across the regions. The purpose behind the funds was to create much-needed employment for displaced peoples, to support Māori, Pacific and local businesses in the regions and to give back to our communities.
Originally a cluster of five churches, this came down to four including the Hamilton Samoan Methodist Church, the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, the Westside Presbyterian Church, and the Wesleyan Church of Tonga.
“Our church has been praying for years. It was like a blessing and answer to our prayers when this funding came through for our congregation” says Ere Ford, Leader from the Westside Presbyterian Church. This church is 115 years old, known as the First church and Hamilton’s only Pacific Island Presbyterian Church.
“Our church has been fundraising for years for the renovation of our church and ministers house. It was a blessing when one Sunday night, Meta Tyrell and Felila Asiata approached us about this opportunity and helped us through this” an emotional Rev. Anatu Reupena shared as he blessed the project.
This project will impact many Maori and Pasifika people within the Waikato Region including four Pasifika Churches will be renovated, 400+ community members will benefit from this project, 50+ job opportunities will be created and 14+ businesses will be working on the project, 80% of which are Maori and Pasifika businesses.
COVID affected many businesses and jobs across the Trades and Construction sector, where many companies lost key contracts.
“When COVID hit, our company lost a key contract for the Auckland airport. This project could not have come at a better time. Not only that, but this really gives back to our community and is a chance for our Maori and Pasifika contractors to really come together, learn from one another and really get it right from the start. So we can all produce a finished project we can all be proud of” shared Rena Schuster, Director for Project Unite.
“Being part of this project allowed us to connect our clients with employers that were set to work on this meaningful project. Having the ability to train and pathway clients to projects that give back to our community was a real buzz” shares Alana Tyrell, HR/Project Manager for Puatala.
Bailey Waraki, just one of many clients who studied towards a Painting trade secured a full-time position through her dedication and hard work on the project.
This project also highlights female leadership in the Trades and Construction industry. Felila Asiata-Feausi from Alignz Recruitment was the key person who tendered for, secured and Project Managed this project. With Tonga Robertson, Director of NEST Interiors and Design as the Project Coordinator.
“This is Social Procurement at its best. Bringing in our community, creating jobs for our Maori and Pasifika people, and bringing opportunity for our Maori and Pasifika businesses. This is the start of many future projects together” Tjay Asiata, National Group Manager for LM4 Group shared.
On Tuesday 1st December marked the official opening and blessing for the Pasifika Church Renovation Project, to start on the Hamilton Samoan Methodist Church on Wednesday 2nd December. Pioneering a new way for social procurement for our Maori and Pasifika businesses to work together with churches and government to bring transformational changes to our communities. The celebration hit home the positive and emotional impact this will have on our communities and Maori, Pacific and local businesses and people in the Waikato.