Polytechnic gifts sculptures to community at exhibition opening
16 Nov 2018
Polytechnic gifts sculptures to community at exhibition opening 16 November 2018 The gifting of three student‐carved limestone sculptures to the community at tonight’s opening of the Tai Poutini Polytechnic Jade Exhibition is symbolic of the institute’s growing partnership with the region, says Chief Executive Alex Cabrera. The sculptures were created by Jade and Hard Stone Carving students and all reflect the special nature of the West Coast through the artists’ work. They are: Totem; Aoraki, The Cloud Piercer; and Essence, and will be gifted to the Grey District, Westland District and the Ngati Waewae Marae in Arahura. It follows last year’s gifting of sculptures to the Buller District and will see the work of TPP students on display right across the region. TPP will gift the sculptures at tonight’s opening of the annual Jade Exhibition at the Westland Recreation Centre. The exhibition is open until 30 November 2018, from 6am‐9pm Monday to Friday and 7am‐7pm Saturday and Sunday. Mr Cabrera says the exhibition showcases the real talent of this year’s students. “We invite everyone in the community to come along to the exhibition and take a look at some of what we do here at the Polytechnic. TPP is here to support and deliver for the community, so we...
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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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