Ashton discovers a love of hospitality through the Kia Tū programme
At just 17 years old, Ashton Blenkiron-Pye has already experienced some major life changes. However, he graduated from the Kia Tū Trades Training Pathway Programme at SIT with a clearer sense of direction — and a genuine passion for hospitality.
Originally from Auckland, Ashton made the bold decision to move to Invercargill in December to be with his girlfriend. After the move, life felt uncertain, and he admits he “wasn’t really doing much” for a while. That changed when his youth coach suggested (or, as Ashton jokes, “kinda forced”) him to try the Kia Tū trades training course.
“At first, I thought it would just be like school, and I’d probably stop going after a while,” Ashton recalls. “But it ended up being pretty good.”
Ashton discovered bartending through the Kia Tū programme - and is now working at Waxy’s Irish Pub in Invercargill.
From the beginning, Ashton committed himself to the course — even if he didn’t fully realise it at the time. Supported by the Anamata Māia team (Kai, Shaun and Barry) and tutor Keri, Ashton found more than just something to fill his days. He found guidance, encouragement, and people who genuinely believed in him.
“I felt like there was always people motivating me to just come and do stuff,” he says. “Like if I didn’t turn up, they didn’t just tell me off — they’d try to motivate me to come more often.”
The course became a turning point. Ashton admits that before Kia Tū, he was “pretty hood” and didn’t really care about anything. But with the right support — and the news that his girlfriend was pregnant — things started to click.
“I’ve matured a lot more,” Ashton says. “I can hold good conversations with people now, dress more appropriately, and I actually think about my future.”
That future now has a clear goal: hospitality. Through the course, Ashton discovered a love for the industry and decided he wanted to pursue a career as a bartender. Together, we went around town handing out CVs to bars and restaurants — and it didn’t take long for one to get back to him.
Ashton completed two job interviews and nailed them both, landing a role at Waxy’s Irish Pub, where he’s been thriving ever since.
“I’ve met some great people, I’ve learned heaps about what jobs are out there, and I’m actually on track to do something with my future,” he says.
Now, with a baby on the way and a new career just beginning, Ashton is feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
“There’s lots of cool stuff ahead, but with that comes uncertainty,” he admits. “When I started the course, I didn’t care where my future was going. Now I realise there’s so much more ahead for me — but that also means I’ve got more to lose. So I’ve just got to keep working at it.”
When asked what he’d say to anyone thinking about joining Kia Tū, Ashton doesn’t hesitate:
“Be open-minded. You might think you already know what you want to do, or you might think you just want to do nothing with your life. But if you just go in with an open mind, things have a way of working out.
“If you told me before this course that I’d be a bartender working in hospitality, I’d probably laugh. But if you put yourself out there, the opportunity will come.”
Ashton’s story is proof that sometimes all it takes is one step in a new direction to change the path entirely.
Thanks to the employers who support our Kia Tū programme
Employers provide real-world opportunities through site visits and job placements in sectors actively recruiting in Southland for our SIT based Kia Tū Trade Training Pathway Programme. We would particularly like to thank the following for their ongoing support:
- Niagara Sawmill
- Invercargill Licencing Trust
- Meridian Energy
- Mercury Energy
- The Bluff Aquaculture Hub
- Tiwai Smelter (NZAS)
- South Port
- Fonterra
- Downer
Posted: 27 August 2025