Thanks to a very generous donation from Centralines Ltd., Central Hawke’s Bay College students now have access to some top-quality equipment in their Creative Industries and Trades Faculty.

First to benefit, with a ‘top of the range’ 3D printer, was the Computer Science and Design (CSD) department, although the versatility of the new machine will allow it to be used across the faculty as it is capable of printing in high tensile materials like Nylon and Carbon Fibre, ideal for Industrial Engineering. It will also be used to print prototype product designs for Spatial Product Design (SPD) students, flexible material like chainmail and accessories for the Textiles department and even to produce custom cookie cutters and piping nozzles for Hospitality.

Industrial Engineering and Design have a new Mitre Saw to increase versatility and productivity and, also in the pipeline thanks to Centralines, is an up-to-date Virtual Reality Headset to enhance the experiences of our Game Designers, new desktop PC’s to run professional architectural software, and a large screen TV to showcase the students work in the faculty.

Head of Faculty, Liam Smiley said, “The funding from Centralines is a game changer for us and for our students. The quality of outcomes, thanks to this new equipment, will be at a whole new level!”

Pictured are Luke and Robert checking out the new 3D Printer, bought using funds generously donated by Centralines Ltd. Both these students are avid Virtual Reality game designers and are looking forward to adding a state-of-the-art Virtual Reality headset to the tools available to them.

Article added: Wednesday 11 June 2025