When Two Worlds Collide

When Kartsport Rotorua president and race convenor Brent Hatton first started racing karts 28 years ago in the old railway yards, he never imagined one day bringing his tertiary employer and his passion for the sport together.

However, that is exactly what has happened, with Toi Ohomai becoming a key sponsor at the upcoming Easter weekend Kartsport national sprint championships.

Toi Ohomai is hosting the prizegiving pavilion, which will be used for registration and hospitality purposes and will be a focal point during the Rotorua event. The institute is also sponsoring several prizes.

Brent first started working as a service technician for Bay of Plenty Polytechnic 22 years ago, which then merged with Waiariki Institute of Technology in 2016 to become one entity under the Toi Ohomai brand. Now an Operations Co-ordinator, Brent is delighted that he can finally harness the resources Toi Ohomai offers to benefit his after-hours passion for kartsport.

While the institute has always been well-known for its popular automotive courses, Brent has also been able to draw support from other faculty areas. The information technology team is lending technical gear, a music tutor is playing in the band, and a class of carpentry students has been busy making 12 new bar leaners to add to the championship’s celebratory atmosphere. Six of the bar leaners will be auctioned off once the finals are over to assist with event costs.

Toi Ohomai Sponsorships, Leveraging and Engagement Manager Jessica Barnett says the institute is always keen to contribute to local communities, and being a first-time sponsor at this national event is exciting.

“The fact that over 200 competitors of varying ages come from all around New Zealand to participate is great for Rotorua and the wider Bay of Plenty. To be able to help bring an event of this size into the community is excellent – we know our staff and students are looking forward to it,” she says.