Staff Profile
Willie Rapana |
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When Willie was 17 he enrolled on a Woodsman Forestry Course, he had jumped at the chance to gain practical skills and venture out of his home region of the Waikato.
Willie began his career in the Forest and Wood Industry's back in 1979. For the next 14 years Willie worked at the Waipa Sawmill and made his way up the ladder to become supervisor of the tables in 1987, night shift manager in 1992, day shift manager in 1994 and then on to site quality controller. Willie held this post from 1994 through to 2004. As site quality controller Willie supervised the supervisors.
In 2004 Willie started his current role with the Forestry School as a Solid Wood Processing tutor. Willie spends a lot of his time travelling the country teaching and assessing in many different workplaces.
Willie has completed many various certificates and qualifications that include - Diploma (Quality Assurance Level 4), National Certificate in First Line Management, National Certificates in Solid Wood Processing.
Willie has a close relationship with industry and is able to give industry trainees hands on experience in their own environment. This takes him all over the North and South Island.
Willie has a wealth of knowledge and experience which he has gained over the years through multiply exchange programmes with Finland, Sweden and Morocco. It was in those countries that he learnt to use highly advanced technology for sawmilling and wood manufacturing.
Among his other skills Willie is fluent in Te Reo Maori, and is affiliated to the Board of trustees, Ngati tipa, Tainui.
Outside of work Willie is often found choosing the perfect sea fishing spot, getting his adrenaline intake in Whakawerawera Forest or playing a spot of rugby or touch on the field.
