Tristan Katu

Ko Tihi o te Ao Marama me Taranaki nga maunga, Ko Ngati Kinohaku me Ngāruahine Rangi nga Iwi, Ko Ngati Tarahuia, Ōkahu, me Inuāwai nga hapū, Ko Oparure me Ngakaunui nga Marae, Ko Tainui me Aotea nga waka. Ko Tristan Tyrel Katu ahau - Tihei Mauri Ora

Tristan Katu studied a Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) at Toi Ohomai and is now working in Australia. We caught up with him to find out how he's finding working as a Quantity Surveyor across the ditch!

What drew you to quantity surveying in the first place?  
During high school I liked dealing with numbers, it was something that sparked my interest so when I heard that's what quantity surveying work was about, I was all for it.  

What was your experience like studying with Toi-Ohomai?  
My tutors were supportive and they go above and beyond to make sure you have the best chance of getting through your course. The Careers & Employability team helped me apply for a part-time junior role in a Tauranga-based residential building company which I was successful for. This gave me an insight into the residential quantity surveying side of things. 

What did you like best about the course?  
The best part about this course wasn't just the numbers aspect, but also getting the opportunity to learn about how the construction industry works, how to build a house, and the process of projects from start to finish.  

What are you doing now for work and where? 
Following my graduation, I took a trip across the ditch to Australia and managed to get a job fairly quickly at a company called Mersa. They are located in Brisbane and specialise in large-scale roading and infrastructure projects. I started as a Junior Quantity Surveyor 18 months ago, and have just been promoted to an intermediate position. Mersa is a great company and provides excellent opportunities for its employees. 
 
How are you finding your job and being in the workforce doing what you studied?  
The good thing about my job is that no matter how long you've been doing it, you will always be learning new things. Everything about quantity surveying interests me and I love being able to continuously learn while doing what I love. 

What would you say to anyone thinking about studying a diploma in quantity surveying?  
If you like working with numbers, and being able to work on-site and in an office, quantity surveying is what you're looking for.