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Top Building student recognised
New Zealand Diploma in Building Surveying student, Vahishta Patel, has been recognised for her dedication to her work and study.
The Student of the Year Award was launched in 2023 to recognise the hard work and dedication of candidates who impressed us on their learning journeys. It is presented at the annual Building Officials Institute of New Zealand (BOINZ) Conference.
The recipients of this year’s awards showed academic brilliance, with the highest GPAs in the country. Their willingness to learn, apply their knowledge, and share with their classmates both within the physical and virtual settings has earned them respect from tutors and peers alike.
One of this year’s winners was Vahishta Patel, of the Auckland Council.
Vahishta Patel is a fast-rising star within the Auckland Council. She is versatile and dedicated and delivers results in both work and study to a high standard while remaining a real team player supporting her colleagues.
Vahishta says receiving the top student award was a surreal feeling.
“I didn’t know I had won until my name was announced so I was truly surprised. I feel proud of myself for working hard and achieving well so it is a great feeling to be appreciated for my efforts.”
She says the biggest highlight of the programme was the ability to learn from industry professionals.
“My tutors have a wealth of knowledge and years of experience, so I feel fortunate to learn from them.”
The diploma also gave her the opportunity to carry out tasks outside of her day-to-day job, such as carrying out building inspections and processing building consent applications.
“This has provided me with a chance to gain practical experience and learn about the other responsibilities of a Building Consent Authority.”
Vahishta is a Code Compliance Certificate Assessor at Auckland Council. She loves the constant learning that’s involved with doing CCC assessments.
“I am constantly learning about new construction methods, products and industry processes. I am fortunate to work for the largest Building Consent Authority in New Zealand which means that I closely work with technical specialists who provide me with a wealth of information about the building code.”
She also has opportunities to share ideas and implement these through project work.
Vahishta says the building industry as a dynamic and growing sector in New Zealand.
“Buildings have and will always be of importance for people to live and work.”
That’s what attracted her to the industry.
“I wanted to know how buildings are constructed and who is involved in this process to understand this dynamic industry,” she says.
2024 has produced some excellent students across New Zealand, who met and surpassed the criteria set for the award. After much consideration, we decided that we could not separate our top two candidates. Vahishta shares this year’s award with James Kirkland.
