Engineering a diverse and exciting industry

 Tahiwi Magner graduated with a diploma in engineering from Wintec and hasn't looked back.

No two days are the same for Tahiwi Magner who, on any given day, could be working on wind farms and bridges throughout New Zealand, carrying out earthquake strengthening and demolition projects or flying overseas to meet new clients.

This diversity is what the 29-year-old loves most about his job as Engineering Manager at Hamilton’s Industrial Site Services Co Ltd.

He started working for the engineering, rigging and scaffolding company after graduating from Wintec in late 2012.

Originally employed as a graduate engineer, Tahiwi excelled in this role and was quickly promoted to engineering manager – a role he has enjoyed for the last three years.

In this role he manages fitters, welders and apprentices who all have varying degrees of experience. His company has a wide range of construction projects that he is involved in including turnkey projects, structural builds, wind farm erections and full demolition jobs.

“I love that every day is different at Industrial Site Services. The people I work with have years of experience in different trades which is invaluable,” says Tahiwi.

Of Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent, Tahiwi was born in Taupo then spent his early years in Te Kuiti before moving to Hamilton with his family.

He went to Hamilton’s Hillcrest High School and after leaving school worked full-time at various jobs before deciding to pursue a career in engineering.

Tahiwi enrolled in Wintec’s two-year Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical) course and hasn’t looked back.

“Getting back into study was initially hard – especially the maths and the physics – but I enjoyed it. The Wintec tutors were great and I learnt a lot from them. I also appreciated the extra help and support Wintec provided through extra study sessions,” says Tahiwi.

Tahiwi sees a long future in engineering ahead of him and is excited about continuing to be involved in New Zealand’s booming construction industry.

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