Brent Rodgers lives in Kaeo in the Far North with his partner Beck, their child, and Beck’s two children. Brent also has two adult children and eight grandchildren from a previous marriage. He moved to the Far North from Auckland three and a half years ago after completing a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation in 2018 at AUT in Auckland.
He holds a certificate in Tertiary Teaching, a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Recreation (double majoring in Coaching and Management), a Diploma in Building Surveying (Level 6), and a National Certificate in Carpentry.
“Most of these were achieved as an adult while working so I understand what it is like to be an adult learner.”
Brent spent 16 years in the construction industry as a carpenter, building contractor with his own business, and a contract site manager on mainly residential construction. He went on to become a Senior Lecturer of Construction at Manukau Institute of Technology for six years. He returned to MIT to teach construction management for a three-year contract while studying full-time for his degree.
Brent has worked as the Team Leader for Building Consents at the Building Consent Authority of the Far North District Council. During this time, he studied for another two years to gain the NZ Diploma in Building Surveying.
His goal for each learner’s journey is twofold.
“To inspire in them a quest for personal development through education and to assist with better equipping them for their roles in the building controls environment. Students should feel empowered by their teaching and learning experience,” he says.
“My message to prospective learners would be that I may not have all the answers, but I will be able to help you develop the skills and the desire to find your own.”
Making a difference to others inspires him.
Outside work, Brent relishes riding his motorcycle and playing bass guitar – although not at the same time. He completed two full-distance Ironman Triathlons in 2014 and 2016. He holds a certificate in artificial insemination of cows and had a franchise pregnancy testing cows.
