Opportunity from Downey Construction
Hopuhopu Housing Development Cadet
Gain hands-on construction experience while helping deliver a kaupapa Maaori-led papakaainga housing development for Waikato-Tainui. We’re seeking a motivated cadet—currently studying or recently graduated in construction or a related fieldto join our project team in Hopuhopu. Work across all stages of the build, integrate tikanga Maaori into practice, and contribute to a legacy that will benefit generations of whaanau.
Location: Hopuhopu, Waikato
Fixed-Term Cadetship | Full-time
Join us in delivering a kaupapa Maaori-led papakāinga housing development for Waikato-Tainui whānau
We’re looking for a motivated and culturally grounded Construction Cadet to join our project management team for Stage 1 of the Hopuhopu Whānau Housing Development. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across the full construction lifecycle, while upholding the cultural values and aspirations.
The role is ideal for someone who is currently studying or has recently completed a qualification in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field — and who brings a willingness to learn, a strong cultural connection or interest, and a commitment to values-based delivery.
This project is underpinned by:
- Whakatupuranga 2050 – our 50-year blueprint for social, cultural, and economic advancement
- Ngaa Tikanga o te Kiingitanga – fostering unity, service, and the preservation of kawa and tikanga
- The vision of Kiingi Taawhiao: “Mō tāua, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei” – For us and our children after us
You will work alongside our partners, Downey Construction Ltd, who bring over 31 years of excellence in quality, professionalism, and integrity in Waikato.
Key Responsibilities
Design Process Support (Te Whakarite i te aahua)
- Participate in consultant and design coordination meetings
- Record and communicate design decisions across teams
- Ensure architectural outcomes reflect kaupapa Maaori values and papakāinga typologies
- Contribute ideas supporting intergenerational living and land stewardship
- Engage with cultural advisors to embed mana whenua narratives
Consenting & Regulatory Approvals (Te Whakaaetanga)
- Assist with documentation for building consents
- Learn planning frameworks relevant to cultural sites and heritage areas
- Support engagement with regulatory bodies and iwi planning entities
- Apply rangatiratanga and kaitiakitanga principles in regulatory processes
Trade & Product Assessment and Procurement (Te Whakawhitinga)
- Help evaluate trade scope and products for sustainability, durability, and cultural relevance
- Support tender and procurement documentation
- Identify opportunities to prioritise Maaori-owned businesses and local suppliers
- Consider long-term whaanau wellbeing in procurement decisions
On-Site Construction Support
- Participate in daily site operations under guidance from the project team
- Take part in site inductions, briefings, and health & safety coordination
- Maintain site documentation and QA records
- Support construction sequencing that honours cultural milestones
Health & Safety (Te Hauora me te Haumarutanga)
- Learn and apply health & safety processes on site
- Promote wellbeing in line with whanaungatanga and hauora Maaori principles
- Recognise and manage spiritual and cultural safety risks
Programming & Trade Coordination (Te Whakaritenga o te Waa me te Mahi)
- Assist in developing and tracking construction programmes
- Coordinate works considering cultural ceremonies and significant dates
- Foster collaboration and manaakitanga across all stakeholders
What We’re Looking For
- Studying or recently completed a qualification in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or similar
- Passionate about kaupapa Maaori initiatives and iwi-led housing aspirations
- Strong communicator, open to learning, and respectful of tikanga
- Committed to the vision “Moo taatou, aa, moo kaa uri aa muri ake nei”
What You’ll Gain
- Practical, hands-on experience across all stages of a major housing development
- Skills in construction project management integrated with tikanga Māori
- Cultural mentorship, pastoral support, and technical guidance
- The opportunity to contribute to a project that will benefit generations of Waikato-Tainui whānau
Ready to take the next step?
Apply now and help us deliver housing solutions that uphold the mana of our iwi.
About Downey Construction
As part of the Downey Group, Downey Construction Ltd has forged a reputation for the delivery of exceptional construction projects.
Downey Construction Ltd established in 1995, has always focused on performance and relationships. We take great pride in the fact that with every project we have made good on our promise performing to quality, demands, time frames and budgets.
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