Hoping to educate, inspire

Doug the Digger creator Alistair McIntyre is talking to Whangarei school children about how he turned his dreams into reality. Onerahi Primary School recently held a "Book Week" to promote books and reading and invited Alistair to talk about his experiences in creating Doug the Digger. Alistair had the children enthralled with tales of his early attempts at writing and drawing for the book. It took two years to develop with the help of artist Bevan Fidler and Jack Lloyd Jones, the voice of Doug the Digger.

Alistair has recently joined up with InfraTrain, which trains people in the infrastructure industry, to promote contracting. InfraTrain business development manager Kevin Walker says Alistair is a great advocate for the industry. "He has the ability to relate to the children and hold their attention during school presentations."

Alistair says he hopes to entertain, inspire and educate children through his life experiences. "I've had to overcome obstacles and challenges including a serious work accident that really changed how I look at life. Creating Doug the Digger was another challenge that that provided me with the opportunity to face my own fears and find the courage to turn my dreams into reality."
Alistair says working for InfraTrain give him the opportunity to promote an industry that he loves.

- Story/Photo: Sarah Kennet

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