Interest in Polytechnic’s Westport training programmes increases
24 Sep 2018
Interest in Polytechnic’s Westport training programmes increases 24 September 2018 Calls and enquiries from people interested in signing‐up for Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s Westpost‐based training programmes are on the rise. People have shown growing interest in a range of Polytechnic programmes, with driver education, forklift and first aid training top of the list. Tai Poutini Polytechnic Chief Executive Alex Cabrera says it is a good indication that the community is keen on upskilling in key areas. “We have been getting out and about in the community much more in recent months, supporting events and taking part in regional initiatives. “We have also been working closely with our industry partners across the region to identify training needs and make sure we’re delivering training programmes that meet those needs. “For Westport, in particular, we have been working with industry representatives on future training options we’re looking to extend options into the fields of engineering, technology and primary industries,” Mr Cabrera says. The increase in students’ is good news for the region, as the Polytechnic works to address financial and strategic challenges to help ensure the future of tertiary education on the West Coast. Mr Cabrera says there is a lot of work ahead and it...
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Changes prepare Polytechnic for the future of West Coast tertiary education
1 Aug 2018
Changes prepare Polytechnic for the future of West Coast tertiary education 1 August 2018 Work to ensure the future of tertiary education on the West Coast has resulted in structural changes at Tai Poutini Polytechnic. Staff were today informed of the confirmed changes, following a one‐month consultation period during which many ideas and suggestions were considered. Chief Executive Alex Cabrera says it is essential for the organisation to find a new way of working that is sustainable and will ensure Coasters have access to tertiary education and vocational training. “We have the support of Government to continue operations while we plan for a better future. With this funding comes the requirement that we address the financial and strategic challenges we face and prepare for a different future. “The structural changes announced today will help the organisation run more smoothly, efficiently and cost‐effectively. This follows last year’s decision to centralise services and draws on staff input into a recent workforce analysis survey. “A change proposal was released to staff for consultation last month and, as a result, I received a significant amount of useful, relevant and thoughtful feedback. I took time to carefully consider it all and, while I have not significantly changed the...
Read the full postCoasters take part in national NetHui – get involved today!
26 Jul 2018
Coasters take part in national NetHui – get involved today! Emerging Internet technology trends pose exciting opportunities and unique challenges for West Coast businesses and interest groups – don’t miss your chance to raise the issues and ideas that matter most during the national NetHui Roadtrip West Coast later this year. NetHui is a national event that explores the future of internet technology and how Kiwis are making the most of it. In October this year, the event comes to the West Coast as part of a national roadtrip. Locals can get involved now to help set the programme for the day. Don’t miss your chance to get involved in the special event. Spokesperson for NetHui West Coast‐ Mequa Hourston says West Coast people can set the programme for the October West Coast NetHui by going online and registering a conversation topic or nominating someone to talk. “This is a great opportunity for our people to come together and talk about how we can make the most of the opportunities the Internet can offer our region,” says Mrs Hourston. “The West Coast is a unique place, stretching from Karamea in the north to Haast in the south. We’re bounded by the Southern Alps and Tasman Sea – making our...
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About TechWeek
1 May 2018
About TechWeek *A festival amplifying New Zealand innovation that's good for the world.* In 2012, technology industry association NZTech began a Tech Innovation Week to coincide with the Hi-Tech Awards in order to build enthusiasm around new technologies being developed in New Zealand. The success of the week led them, in 2016, to join forces with Auckland’s economic development agency, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to produce TechweekAKL – a week-long festival of innovation ecosystem events. TechweekAKL was an Auckland-wide festival with 55 events across 10 days attended by 10,000 people. It was a colossal success, and so in 2017, TechweekAKL became TechweekNZ: a nationwide initiative with a curated programme focused on ‘finding local answers to global questions’. Techweek'17 included 287 events in 24 locations, and hosted more than 20,000 New Zealanders and visitors over 9 days. It continues to grow. The intention behind Techweek is simple – New Zealand’s technology and innovation sectors are growing rapidly, and Techweek fosters that growth by providing the national ecosystem with a week-long opportunity for connection and cross-pollination, and an independent platform through which to amplify New Zealand’s unique and inspiring innovation stories to the world. In the years to come, Techweek’s vision is for New Zealand to be globally recognised...
Read the full postTPP enables local iwi to connect with past through technology
26 Apr 2018
TPP enables local iwi to connect with past through technology Virtual and augmented reality technologies are providing a link to the past for 30 young West Coasters these school holidays. TPP enables local iwi to connect with past through technology Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP) has established a partnership between local iwi and South Island based social enterprise Fabriko to explore the possibilities of new technologies as a platform for storytelling. TPP Chief Executive Alex Cabrera says the partnership is focused on connecting younger Maori in the West Coast community with future-focused technologies. TPP Director of Maori Education Dave Mason says the rapid development of technology is causing a rethink away from our reliance on traditional industries. “At Tai Poutini Polytechnic, we’re eager to support the emergence of this new thinking, which is why we are partnering with local hapū, Te Rūnanga o Ngati Waewae, and Fabriko Creative to create a programme called Koneki, or ‘Here’,” he says. Fusion Rangatahi Wānanga is a school holiday programme designed for primary and intermediate aged children that whakapapa to Ngāi Tahu. It is operated under the guidance of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae, and has been going for over 10 years now, originally started by Rūnanga Member Chantal Tumahai. Rūnanga Member Nelly Mason and her team...
Read the full postHigh school students turn up in droves for a taste of tertiary study
5 Apr 2018
High school students turn up in droves for a taste of tertiary study Competition for places in the West Coast Trades Academy is heating‐up, with more students than ever this year enrolled to take part in the school‐to‐work training programme. Tai Poutini Polytechnic is the main provider for the Trades Academy, providing ongoing training opportunities for West Coast students. The Trades Academy, which introduces high school students to the industry of their choice, has been oversubscribed across 95% of its programmes this year. West Coast Trades Academy General Manager Tania Washer says that every West Coast high school is now engaged in the programme. “We’re going from strength to strength. Six years ago, we had 32 students. This year, we have 140 studying at TPP, and 230 across the West Coast. Enthusiasm levels are also at record highs, and we’ve had 100% attendance of our year two students this year. They are all turning up to class motivated and ready to learn,” she says. “Gaining a place at WCTA is now highly competitive, and students need to demonstrate that they are committed to the trades pathway they are applying for. Placements into TPP take into account a student’s drive and desires to do that programme, and look at social...
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