Paris Mitchell

Ingoa: Paris Mitchell
Iwi / Hapū: Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Hine
Ahumahi: Boat Building
Tūnga mahi: Alloy Boat Builder

Paris Mitchell, a recent graduate of the Marine and Specialised Technologies Academy of New Zealand’s (MAST) Level 4 Alloy Boat Building apprenticeship, has carved a unique path in the maritime trade. As a wahine Māori, she’s leading the way for more women to enter the traditionally male-dominated world of boat building. 

“When I first joined MAST, I was the only woman in New Zealand pursuing this qualification,” says Paris. “Now, there are a few others in production alloy boat building and aluminium welding, but it’s an industry that’s calling out for more women and minorities to help fill the skills gap.”

Growing up with parents who both worked in the trades, her father, a heavy fabrication engineer, and her mother, a carpenter, Paris was equipped early on with the practical skills needed for success. Already a certified aluminium welder, she’s now applying her boat building skills on her third catamaran. 

Boat building wasn’t always her dream. “I never even heard about it growing up,” she admits, “but I’ve discovered a real passion for the work.” University didn’t appeal to Paris due to the debt, the drinking culture, and the lack of hands-on experiences. “I realised my heart was in creating and engineering, just like my parents. Through them, I learned that real-life experience and connecting with the right people is the key to success.” 

Paris’s journey into boat building began with a Level 3 Mechanical Engineering Certificate at the Eastern Institute of Technology. A Māori mentor at her work experience placement encouraged her to call the boat builders down the road in Hawke’s Bay. Starting as a junior, Paris spent a year doing the humble tasks of sweeping floors, washing boats, and learning from the ground up. Once she was signed up in January 2021, she had properly earned her bosses trust and encouragement being their first female apprentice.  

Due to the housing crisis, Paris and her husband relocated to Christchurch in April 2022, where she now works at Icon Marine Manufacturing. “My previous employers were very understanding of the move. They encouraged me to keep improving my craft and to fight hard against anyone who may tell me that I am not capable. Icon Marine is the same—they are always supportive, and I learn something new every day.” 

In her spare time, Paris channels her creativity into personal projects, building jetboats and working on aerial apparatuses, expanding her skills even further outside of the boat building trade.

Finding her voice as a wahine Māori in the marine industry wasn’t easy at first. “In the beginning, I was intimidated by the men around me and put a lot of pressure on myself. But through a network of ‘tradie ladies,’ I’ve found a group of women who support each other through the challenges of working in male-dominated trades.” 

Her journey has helped her develop resilience. “They’ve taught me to shake off mistakes and not be afraid to fail, it feels like a superpower.” Alongside her hands-on work, Paris is studying Fusion 360 and te reo Māori, determined to become an outstanding boat builder. “I was taught to never settle for average. I want to take my time, learn as much as I can, and eventually build boats overseas before bringing what I learn back to Aotearoa.”

Paris’s ultimate dream is to construct a superyacht and share her knowledge with others who may have never seen themselves working in the maritime industry. “People are often surprised when they meet me—a Māori woman in overalls with welding gear and a messy ponytail sticking out of my helmet. I feel like living proof that diversity is a strength. Change is happening, and it feels good to be part of it. You should never judge a book by its cover.”

Paris is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when determination, passion, and support come together, paving the way for other wāhine Māori to follow her lead in the marine trade.