Who are we?
Bush Primary Schools’ Technology Centre provides quality Technology education to Year 7 and Year 8 students in the Tararua region.
The centre is run by two experienced teachers – Mr Matthew Wood, who teaches Hard Materials Technology (metal, wood, plastics, electronics, jewellery making) and Mrs Tania McQueen-Davies, who teaches Food and Soft Materials Technology (cooking, food and nutrition, sewing, life skills).
Where are we located?
Located at the rear of Tararua College in Pahiatua, Bush Primary Schools’ Technology Centre is a modern, purpose built facility with a beautiful rural outlook that was completed in 2002. The centre comprises of a large hard materials workshop, a central resource area/wet weather play area, a large, seven kitchen Food Technology classroom with a Soft Materials area, and an entrance lobby that comprises of a lunch area, bag storage and toilet/hand washing facilities.
Introducing our new Primary Technology Teacher - Matthew Wood 
Matthew grew up in Mid-Canterbury, on a small farm just out of Ashburton towards the coast. Over 14 years he has taught at several schools, most recently at Lindisfarne College in Hastings and Mount Hutt College in Methven with the desire to return to the North Island brought about through family circumstances. He has two daughters, Imogen (6) and Isabelle (4), and is looking forward to the opportunity to settle into the local community. With a background teaching hard materials technology, graphics and music he is particularly excited at the opportunity to engage students in a subject area, which for many, is completely new to them and, hopefully, to spark a passion that will lead some to future careers in the wider trades and technology industries.’
What schools attend?
Bush Primary Tech provides Technology education to 11 schools in the local area who attend for an entire day once a fortnight. Currently these schools are:
- Alfredton
- Ballance
- Eketahuna
- Kumeroa
- Makuri
- Mangatainoka
- Pahiatua
- Papatawa
- Pongaroa
- St Anthony's
- Woodville
How does the day run?
Students attend 18 Technology sessions over a year – nine Hard Materials lessons, and nine Food and Soft Materials Technology lessons.
| 09.30. |
Students arrive by bus (apart from Pahiatua School who walk) |
| 09.30-10.00 | Theory related to the days’ unit of work with particular focus on background information related to the days topic and the Technology Process |
| 10.00-10.40 |
Teachers demonstrate the necessary skills required for the day’s project, followed by students working on their individual or group creations |
| 10.40-11.00 | Morning tea – indoor and outdoor play equipment provided |
| 11.00-12.30 | Students continue working on their products with assistance and advice from their teachers if required |
| 12.30-13.00 | Lunch |
| 13.30-14.15 | Completion of projects, clean-up, evaluation and assessment, end of day quiz |
| 14.15 | Return to school |
Calendar 2021
Can we visit?
Yes! We would love to see you. If you are a parent of a current Year 7/8 student who attends Bush Primary Technology you are more than welcome to pop in and see your child in action on the day they attend. The best time is between 11.00-12.30 to ensure you see them completing practical work.
If you are the parent of a younger child who is due to attend in the coming year, please contact the college on 06 376 8344 and make an appointment. This ensures we are available to show you around and answer your questions.
Principals and teachers of contributing schools are also encouraged to visit with their students and see first-hand what occurs on a typical Technology day. It would be great to see you all in person.
How do we contact you?
If you have queries or concerns regarding Bush Primary Technology you can contact us on:
Phone 06 376 8344 and ask for Primary Tech.
If we are teaching please leave a message with your name and contact number and we will return your call
You can email us directly at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
More information:
We have a Facebook page ‘Bush Primary Tech’ where we post information, photos and recipes relating to all the units we cover throughout the year. Please click below for specific info:
- The units of work we will be covering in 2020 and the 2020 calendar so you know when your child is next due to visit:
https://www.facebook.com/111433730416112/posts/118142459745239/
- Background information about your Primary Tech teachers
https://www.facebook.com/111433730416112/posts/118125676413584/
We are passionate about teaching Technology and look forward to teaching your children. We hope to meet you all really soon – TMatthew and Tania.
