History was made in the Far North forest industry when the first intake under the 20-week Wāhine Toa programme formally graduated at Kaikohe's Kohewhata Marae.
"We have come together today to celebrate achievement, commitment and dedication. It hasn't been an easy journey," RecruitMe NZ director/manager and Johnson Contractors owner Jack Johnson said.
"I stand here today to congratulate each and every one of you on your journey to employment. We are very proud of you." RecruitMe supervisor/team leader Anne Tau said Mr Johnson had approached her last year to lead the programme he wanted to initiate (which became part of the government's Billion Trees strategy, and was partly government-funded).
"I started with 10 wāhine, and it was challenging but rewarding," she said. "We got to be a part of a male-dominated industry. We were the first Wāhine Toa crew in forestry for Te Taitokerau, and we were the first ever wāhine crew for Jack Johnson.
"He took a big risk taking us on. He had extra responsibilities to take care of, like our own toilet being brought out to the forestry block. Jack has provided everything we have requested as women and more.