New Zealand’s media has been buzzing about the Trade Academy project at One Tree Hill College, which started as a simple idea and grew into a major initiative benefiting students, teachers, and schools across the country. The project, which involves transforming an old state house into a modern dream home, has garnered extensive media attention, with coverage on Radio New Zealand, TVNZ’s Breakfast Show, One news and more. This morning, the Minister of Construction, Chris Penk, officially opened the newly renovated home, with Thundergrid proudly joining in the celebrations as a sponsor of a smart EV charger. “Recycling a KO home is the sustainability we need for New Zealand rather than demolishing old structures!”
Real-World Learning for Students
In June of last year, 24 students from One Tree Hill College in Auckland embarked on a hands-on mission to renovate an old house, bringing it up to modern, sustainable standards. Remarkably, they never had to leave their school grounds to do so. One Tree Hill College secured a 1970s state house from Kāinga Ora for just one dollar, with transport costs covered by the authority to ensure the students could work on the project during their regular school hours. The goal was to transform the house into a Homestar 7-rated sustainable home. What started as an ambitious idea quickly gained support from businesses across Auckland and New Zealand, with Thundergrid contributing a smart EV charger, which will be auctioned along with the house and a Hyundai EV in March 2025.
The Building Journey
Charlotte McKeon, head of the Trade Academy at One Tree Hill College, explained in an interview: “The students are not only learning practical skills like dismantling, insulation, and plastering but also gaining knowledge about building codes and working with industry practices that go above and beyond those codes.” The house was stripped down to its frame and completely rebuilt in 10 months of hard work. As more students became interested in the project, they opted to work on the house instead of sitting in class. The project proved to be a huge success for both students and teachers. It sparked interest from other schools, who now want to replicate the Trade Academy’s approach.
Thundergrid’s EV Charger Donation
Thundergrid became involved in the project early on, thanks to Cam Denne, one of their Business Development Managers, who is friends with a deputy principal at the college. Cam suggested supporting the sustainability project by donating a smart EV charger. “By learning about healthy homes, students gain valuable knowledge about sustainable practices and are better prepared for a green future,” Cam explains. “As leaders in EV infrastructure, we want to educate students about EV charging, what to consider when buying an electric vehicle, and why a smart charger is the best option for your home.”
Cost-Efficient and Safe
Thundergrid’s smart EV charger is designed to be durable and efficient, with the ability to manage energy loads in conjunction with other household appliances. This prevents overloads even when multiple devices are in use and enables off-peak charging at a lower cost using clean energy. Cam adds, “With cutting-edge technology, the charger protects the home from overloads, overheating, and safeguards the switchboard, ensuring safe and affordable EV charging.” The charger also features an app-controlled interface that lets users start sessions and monitor progress via their phone by scanning a QR code on the touch display. Additionally, the charger offers individual authentication, preventing unauthorized charging when mounted outside. Unique to Thundergrid, the charger can also operate in te reo Māori, making it the only EV charging option in New Zealand available in the country’s native language.
Smart Kids, Smart Choices, Smart Future
The 24 students at One Tree Hill College have discovered their true passions through this project. In most cases, the experience has sparked an interest in pursuing careers in the trades. Twenty-three of the 24 participants are now on the path to success, whether through apprenticeships, pre-trade courses, or other degrees. Charlotte McKeon proudly reflects, “It’s been incredible to be part of a team that’s opening doors and encouraging these young people to reach their full potential.”
Upcoming Auction and Project Renewal
The newly renovated house will be sold at auction by Barfoot & Thompson on April 3, 2025, along with the smart EV charger and a Hyundai EV. Interested buyers can visit the open home starting March 15th. Once sold, the house and charger will be transported to their final location. Almost all materials for the project were generously sponsored, allowing One Tree Hill College to raise funds for future Trade Academy programs. This year’s Trade Academy is already drawing a larger group of interested students, and the school is refining the work experience program based on lessons learned from last year. This time, the academy won’t need external sponsors as they plan to fund everything through the proceeds from the house sale.
The spark has ignited. Many high schools across New Zealand are now looking to replicate this successful project, which has become a model for others to follow.
By learning about EV infrastructure firsthand, becoming grid conscious and experiencing the technology in action, students all over New Zealand will be at the forefront of evolving technologies, helping to integrate these solutions into their everyday lives.