Durham Street, in the Centre of Tauranga was transformed into the new venue for the annual Tauranga Rotary Club’s “Canvas Careers Expo”. Organised by Tauranga Rotary and Priority One, the Expo had over fifty exhibitors as well as using Waikato University and Toi Ohomai’s new buildings to showcase their programmes and facilities. Prior to the event, Rotarian Sue Boyne explained, “Canvas Careers Expo is a unique opportunity for students and those considering a career change or looking for a job, to come and see a diverse range of career pathways and talk directly to training providers. We have Universities from across NZ joining us for the Expo alongside the Pacific International Hotel Management School, Tertiary Institutes, Employ NZ, Beca, NZ Defence Force, Education USA and many, many more.”
On Saturday, the Young Enterprise Scheme Market day took place on the street showcasing some of the innovative businesses that have been created by High School students during the “YES Tauranga” programme.Many other young people (and their families), were fully immersed in the “Robotics” competitions that were held in the Waikato Building.
A highlight of the weekend for many was when University of Waikato scientists dissected a Thresher shark … it was ‘standing room only’ in their marquee! They also had on display a Taningia fimbria, one of the largest squid species in the world, that was recently caught off Whakaari/White Island, and a number of other interesting marine species.
Another highlight of the event was the “InZone Careers Coach” – a dynamic multi-media bus that travelled from the South Island. Featuring push outsides, and unparalleled interactive presentations showcasing New Zealand industry training organisations, tertiary institutions and Defence Forces.
The event was judged a huge success by all involved, with many favourable comments about our new outdoor venue from exhibitors and members of the public alike.