WHAT TEACHERS THINK OF NRCD KITS

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I have been dealing with Shane at NRCD for many years.

The kits that we have made during this time were the Mini Bikes 50cc, Scooter 50cc, Electric Drift Cart, and the Electric Scooter. The Engineering Academy students at years 12 & 13 have had the privilege of making these. The students enjoyed the practical experience by making the project and there was always a high level of engagement due to the great take home value of the project. 

The skills and knowledge that the students gain by making one of these projects just keeps the students busy all year with many of the final products made to a very high standard. It also allows the junior school to see what great projects are made in year 12 and 13 which means Engineering is one of the most popular subjects in the school and this is a big thanks to Shane for coming up with such exciting project ideas.

Shane has always given good after sales service and is reliable and willing to help out with any problems that may arise. This is so important for a teacher especially when you can have up to 30 projects being manufactured in a year. I cannot speak more highly of Shane and am more than happy to speak to any school that may be thinking of making one of the kits that NRCD supplies.

Many of our Engineering Academy students take up an apprenticeship when they leave college and I know that many employers are really impressed with the kits made by the students which helps them gain employment. 

I have dealt with Shane at NRCD for the past 6 years having been introduced to his product line through the Mini moto Nationals. 

Shane has always been available to me and we have collaborated on a couple of projects to provide plans for the off road mini motorbike and more recently the crazy cart. 

Shane has always strived to find the best kits and parts at an affordable rate knowing that schools resourcing is limited. I have found Shane to be responsive to feedback and the quality of the engines and kits has reflected modifications and improvements over the years.

Over the years my students have made go karts, electric and petrol powered scooters, electric drift trikes, motards and sidecars. We have had a blast and learnt loads along the way. We have a fantastic culture in the workshops now with loads of problem solving (they never build to plan!) and many of my students have gone onto secure apprenticeships on the strength of their project portfolios. I am also thrilled to see a number of students who go straight into tertiary studies from the workshop. 

I am always happy to share my journey and knowledge with other schools and love hearing what other tech teachers are doing with their classes. 

I had felt for a number of years that the N.C.E.A. syllabus was not aligned with the type of students that were choosing a practical career path. There was certainly a need for a new exciting approach. The Mini Bike project was born.

To make the project a success a reliable and trustworthy importer/ supplier had to be found. We established contact with Shane Newman from Newmanz RC Direct. His knowledge of the parts available was first rate. With consultation we soon established a kit of parts for a 50cc Mini Bike. Shane continued ongoing contact so as to provide good standards of quality control of the kits. 

The project was soon increasing student numbers. In 2008 a combined class of 18 year 12 and 13 students took engineering. By 2011 we were producing 80 machines per year. 

In 2013 we decided to go for a larger 70cc four stroke engine and a physically bigger bike.

Shane again procured an excellent kit of quality reliable parts at a reasonable cost. This 70cc machine is still being produced along with 110cc and 150cc sidecars. All parts are still provided by Newmanz RC Direct. The relationship has now been in existence for 13 years.

The experience the students have gained has been incredible. They usually arrive at school at 7.30am to be able to use the workshops as early as possible. Their enthusiasm has created a “can do attitude” and an energy that is transferred  through the classes. 

Employment success has increased relative to the success of the course. 

To date 15 students have gone on to study various Engineering Disciplines at Canterbury, Massey, and Auckland University’s. We have ex-students who are Thermodynamacists, Hydraulics Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Structural Engineers and Engineers who work for Rocket Lab.

The project was designed to make ENGINEERING FUN. It has delivered.

If you want a rewarding activity, on whatever level, then I know that Shane Newman can provide an interesting solution and provide a reliable cost effective service.

I have been dealing with Shane @ Newmanz RC Direct since 2009.

Our school has built various bikes, including: 50cc air cooled bikes; 50cc motard bikes; 49cc water cooled bikes; 70cc motards and road bikes and various Sidecars. We have always purchased our kits from Shane and are happy to continue this relationship.

Our students have had great success in building and competing with their bikes. Our latest student success has just completed an Engineering Degree at Canterbury University and is now employed as a design engineer in Gisborne. This student spent two years building a mini bike and sidecar while at school.

Our students have been very successful at the NZ Secondary School Mini Moto Grand Prix each year, this is due to the standard of the products supplied by Shane and the dedication of our students.

Shane is always extremely helpful and always goes extra to supply us with 

all of our needs. His kits use quality components and the prices for the kits are well within our students limits. 

Shane is also a passionate bike rider so has a great understanding of what kits schools need to succeed. He has made Technology teaching fun again for schools and teachers.

I am happy to endorse Shane, his family and their business, please support this local enterprise, I would be lost without his support and motivation.