“Even before joining up, I was looking at the projects Arup have done and I was blown away. I just want to be a part of something like this. This is something that’s unheard of in Gisborne.
“I have never seen an opportunity like this.”
Arup global engagement partner Kat Falepau was in Gisborne to ease Bomb into his first day with the $1 billion British design company.
“We are an ethical, sustainable organisation that partners with stakeholders that share the same beliefs as us.
“What we are wanting to do is to find initiatives that bring out those qualities in our initiatives. What Taiki e are doing in general is very much the same thing. We want to provide an opportunity for people who would not usually have the same opportunities as others.
“We are looking for attitude and aptitude, and how we can help them on their journey. At the end of this internship, it will give him an opportunity to experience what it is like in a global, corporate environment.”
The 12-month opportunity will expose Bomb to a range of technologies around coding, engineering and consulting.
“He’s going to be working with people from all over the world, from London, the Americas and Australia.”
He was interviewed for the position after coming through the Gisborne Dev Academy and applying for the position.
“We thought he was a good fit.”
After returning to New Zealand when Covid restrictions were eased, Arup gave Kat the opportunity to grow the Pacific region — and she reached out to iwi here, who mentioned the Dev Academy course.
“I thought, ‘why not support that kaupapa and give opportunities to those people’.”
While the intern course is a pilot scheme, Arup was keen to work closely to help show people here pathways into technology.
“What sets Arup apart from other companies is we are owned by a trust. Any profits that come back to the business, a pool of that goes to Arup University, which is to help up-skill and educate our staff and also invest into projects that will help communities.”
Taiki e! trustee and founder of tech company Next Chapter Phil Kupenga thanks Arup for supporting the community into an industry that was “future ready” and not shovel-ready.
“Since starting the programme a couple of years ago I have struggled to find support from local organisations and business, especially from those that are about workforce development and getting our community into high-valued employment.
“I have to seek support outside our region which has been sad but we are still going and getting bigger and have a few more outside legs willing to support us.”
