STORIES
Breaking Barriers and Building Engines
“Admitting when you’ve messed up is one of the biggest lessons we learn in Automotive Trades. Matua needs to know what’s happened so he can help fix it. He always tells us it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as we speak up.”
Alexcia
For Year 12 student Alexcia, the sound of a revving engine is a calling. Growing up surrounded by whānau working on cars and in the automotive industry, it was only natural that she’d find herself drawn to the Automotive Trades Academy at Tikipunga High School, where she is currently the top Year 12 student.
Alexcia’s journey began with pre-trades and a successful interview that earned her a spot in the Academy. Walking into her first class as the only girl was intimidating, but with the support of Teacher Clint McEwan and a culture built on honesty and teamwork, Alexcia quickly found her voice.
“My teacher really pushes me to not be scared of what the boys are going to think and just do it,” said Alexcia. “He’s the reason it’s my favourite class. He doesn’t downplay your feelings and encourages us to always ask questions if we’re unsure of anything.”
Her confidence and skills have earned her the respect of her classmates, who now turn to her for help. She’s also become a role model for younger students, especially girls considering trades.
Alexcia and her best friend Te Aowera, both part of the I Have a Dream Programme, often speak with girls curious about joining the Academy. Many are nervous about breaking something in the workshop, but Te Aowera reassures them that mistakes are part of the learning.
“In automotives, you’re going to break something. What matters is owning up to it. If you run away and don’t admit it, that says more about you than the mistake itself,” said Te Aowera.
Alexcia agrees. “Admitting when you’ve messed up is one of the biggest lessons we learn. Matua needs to know what’s happened so he can help fix it. He always tells us it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as we speak up.”
The workshop is also a space of reciprocal learning. Matua McEwan enjoys learning about te ao Māori from his students, creating an environment where everyone’s knowledge is valued.
At a recent Tikipunga High School open day, Alexcia helped promote the Academy and guided several girls through operating the hoist, boosting their interest in the programme. This year, most of the Year 11 automotive students are female, a shift Alexcia and Te Aowera are proud to have helped spark.
Although Te Aowera has moved on from Automotives to pursue her dream of studying business and accounting, she still visits the workshop to support Alexcia and lend a hand. Alexcia’s passion lies in the practical side of automotives, but she’s methodical in her approach.“Working on cars teaches you patience. You need to know what you’re doing before you start, and always think about the consequences.”
She is currently helping to rebuild a Toyota Hilux, tackling the project from the ground up with hopes of completing it next year and, if all goes well, taking it for a well-earned spin. Through both the Academy and the I Have a Dream programme, Alexcia has embraced every opportunity to grow, lead, and inspire from the workshop floor to community initiatives.
Looking ahead, she plans to earn a teaching diploma, work in the field for several years, and eventually return to Tikipunga High School to take over the Academy when Matua McEwan retires. It’s a full-circle dream that blends her love for the trade with her desire to uplift others. From being the only girl in the class to becoming its top student, Alexcia is proof that when young wāhine are empowered to lead in spaces where they’ve traditionally been underrepresented, they don’t just succeed – they thrive.
