Move Over, Boys

Marlborough Boys’ College Rebuild Powered by Women

As the redevelopment of Marlborough Boys’ College takes shape, a quiet revolution is also unfolding on-site, one led by a diverse, skilled, and inspiring group of women who are reshaping what it means to work in construction.

Adrienne Matthews

From architecture and design to project management, painting to heavy machinery operation and a plethora of other roles, women are to be found working in many areas across the multi-million-dollar project. According to Project Manager Tom Holohan, this is no token presence but rather a powerful reflection of how the construction industry is evolving in Marlborough and across New Zealand. “I notice it constantly from meetings with the Ministry of Education to subcontractor site visits,” he says. “There’s a high level of female involvement across all facets of the project. It’s great to see.”

The Ministry’s Project Delivery Manager is a woman and so is the lead Architect. On the ground, there is a female electrician, five painters, joiners, a mechanical engineer and designer, glazier, two quantity surveyors for MoE, and a Class 4 Hiab Truck Driver.

Cantwell Joinery, managed by Wendie Cantwell, is handling everything from aluminium windows and doors to kitchen facilities. Wendie proudly supports women in the trades and typically has at least one female apprentice working in her company’s joinery workshop. “It’s so nice to see more women in active roles,” says Wendie. “It’s becoming normalised, and that’s exactly how it should be.”

Architect Ursula Adams from Christchurch-based architectural firm BCN, the lead designers on the project, echoes this sentiment. “There are a lot of women now in architecture, and we’re not just designing in isolation. We’re part of the full construction process. This project is special because it’s community-based and focused on long-term benefits for students and staff.”

Tom is passionate about shining a light on the contribution of women across the site. “As a father to a boy and a girl, I want both of them to know they have equal opportunities,” he says. “Women in construction aren’t just holding their own, they’re leading and that sends a powerful message to young people.”

Michelle Hale, an electrician on site, agrees. “It’s always nice when there’s another female tradie on the site, someone who’s actually on the tools. It’s the same with everybody though; they need to genuinely want to be doing this, not just because they’re being encouraged to.”

Sarah Clarke, co-owner and CFO of Clarke Construction, the main contractor on the project, notes how refreshing it is to see women across every level of involvement. “We’re celebrating how many females are involved in what is going to be an awesome addition to Marlborough Boys’ College. Some are in financial management or design, others are in trades. It proves wrong the old stereotype that women in construction are only in administration roles and it shows Marlborough girls that there are a huge variety of opportunities available to them.”

Supporting this growing wave of women in construction is NAWIC, the National Association of Women in Construction. Marlborough’s branch, led by women like Manesha Pieris and Yee Chan, provides networking, events, and mentoring opportunities across the region.

“Historically, you might have had one or two women on a site,” says Yee, “but now we’re seeing women from the design phase through to the finishing. It’s incredible.”

“It puts people in a different mindset,” adds Manesha. “The NAWIC is about creating a comfortable space where a group of women can meet up regularly, networking, that sort of thing. It isn’t just for women either. We welcome anyone who supports women in the industry. The future looks more and more encouraging now that more women are taking these roles on.”

“We want employers and schools to keep spreading the word,” adds Yee. “Diversity and inclusion are something we want to encourage.”

Hiab driver Carolyn Shallcrass is living proof that with passion and persistence, anything is possible. “I started working in timber with my dad, then moved into driving. Now I’m doing scaffold deliveries on a big school site. My advice to other women? Just give it a go. There’s so much support out there.”

That encouragement is something every woman involved in the project shares. Whether they’re wielding paintbrushes, managing budgets, or drawing up blueprints, they all have one message for the next generation: this industry is for everyone.

“It’s an exciting time for construction,” says Sarah Clarke. “Women bring different perspectives and skills. That diversity is what makes a project like this so successful.”

The Marlborough Boys’ College redevelopment is more than a construction site. It is evidence of real change. “If I leave the industry knowing I championed women’s involvement and helped create a space where my daughter, or anyone’s daughter, can thrive, I’ll be proud of that, says Tom.”