Press Release – Ara Institute On June 16th at Aras Woolston Campus, a special visitor made some time to inspire and inform female students. Katie Thomas, an Ara graduate, engineer, and all-round good sort, visited with a select group of other future women tradies to share her …
On June 16th at Ara’s Woolston Campus, a special visitor made some time to inspire and inform female students. Katie Thomas, an Ara graduate, engineer, and all-round good sort, visited with a select group of other future women tradies to share her insights into starting a successful career in the trades.
“Trades are awesome. One thing I enjoyed about getting into engineering is that the culture is really cool. It’s usually quite fun – the boys can go a little bit over the top, but it’s a hell of a good job in any of the trades. I meet lots of tradesmen all over the place – sparkies, plumbers – and everybody sort of gets along really well. I also have a good sense of humor – that helps!�
Wellington.Scoop
Two Wellingtonians have become Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit in today’s New Year Honours List:
Sue Chetwin, for services to consumer rights.
Having begun her career in journalism, Ms Chetwin was editor of the Sunday News from 1994 to 1998, the Sunday Star-Times from 1998 to 2003, and founding editor of the Herald on Sunday from 2003 to 2005. As Chief Executive of Consumer New Zealand from 2007 to 2020 she successfully campaigned for many important consumer law reforms, including prohibitions on unfair contract terms, fairness in consumer credit contracts, country of origin labelling, and controlling door knockers. She has led other successful campaigns on behalf of consumers including calling for mandatory standards for sunscreens, helping to regulate mobile truck shops, and calling out businesses on misleading claims such as greenwashing. Her commitment to consumer rights have contributed to New Zealand having a strong consumer protection ethos