Upskilled locals celebrated at awards evening

Published on 29 January 2026

Industry training event celebrates those achieving work-based qualifications.

The Oamaru Opera House celebrated the in-work training of twenty-one locals at the Industry Training Awards in December.

The event is part of, and funded by, MBiE and the Mayors Task Force for Jobs.

All recipients had completed certificated training in their field of work. Employees from Whitestone Contracting Ltd., Alliance, Alma Motors, North Otago Motor Group Ltd, Harbour View Rest Home, Southanjer and Observatory Village Care Ltd were presented with their awards by Mayor Mel Tavendale, Deputy Mayor Rebecca Ryan and Councillors John McCone, Frans Schlack, Dan Lewis and Sven Thelning.

Mayor Mel Tavendale said, “These awards recognise that people have invested in themselves, and their future in the workplace – supported by their employers. Working together, and growing the knowledge and skills of our workforce is extremely valuable to our District”

Whitestone Contracting Limited – MTFJ Recipients

Liana Tisdall

New Certificate in Site Traffic Management Specialist Cat A and Cat B – Level 3

Reuben Burridge

New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works – Level 3

Georgia Campbell

New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works Contract Management – Level 5

Lyndon Jones

New Zealand Certificate in Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Fleet Management – Level 5

Brent Lowrey

New Zealand Certificate in Vehicle Inspection – Level 4

Tarras Beardsmore

New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works – Level 2

Alliance – MTFJ Recipients

Johannes De Waal