From lithium mine sites to infrastructure Project Manager

Infrastructure Senior Project Manager – Lead Dave Hudson has joined the WITT whānau to manage the new $1m Infrastructure Skills Park in Bell Block.

The park, funded by New Plymouth District Council (NPDC), aims to help address the skills and capability gap within the civil construction sector by providing a simulated work-site for ākonga to hone their civil infrastructure work skills.

The council said the long-term financial benefit of the WITT-run park would help reduce construction costs and improve work quality around the region. Alongside positioning Taranaki to become a “training centre of excellence in the central North Island for civil construction workers.”

“Having the Infrastructure Park in Taranaki will bring the benefits right here into our backyard,” says Hudson.

Dave brings countless years of experience to the Infrastructure Park project, starting as an apprentice carpenter training in heavy commercial and residential construction sectors to spending 25 years in Australia, where his career moved him through a number of roles. 

“I spent most of my time in Western Australia where career moves lead me from a tradesman to leadership roles, from supervisor up to project management roles. I was lucky enough to have worked and built iron ore and lithium mine sites in the remote goldfield and Pilbara regions,” he says. 

When Dave isn’t at work you’ll find him enjoying any one of his numerous hobbies including; fishing, art, harmonica playing, triathlon training or surfing.

Dave is excited to get the park underway and see students taking advantage of the facility. 

“I’m ready to see the park succeed, grow and evolve both in practice and reputation.”

For Dave, or Huddy as he doesn’t mind being called, the WITT Kia Maia catchphrase says it all and dictates how he is tackling his new job as the Infrastructure Project Manager. 

“’Kia Maia – Be your best’ is so important whether you are learning or teaching or even just making your way through life”.