West Coast students carving out a niche in Jade Exhibition
7 Nov 2017
West Coast students carving out a niche in Jade Exhibition Prominent greenstone and stone sculptures which move, ornate animals, flutes, wind chimes, traditional pieces and abstract carvings are all part of a unique exhibition opening in Greymouth. The annual Tai Poutini Polytechnic Exhibition showcases the creations of the polytechnic’s Jade and Hard Stone Carving students. It will be held at the Left Bank Gallery from 10‐24 November 2017. Carving Tutor Sheree Warren says this year there are a huge variety of works from the students, each one distinctively different and personal. “The students have spent hundreds of hours crafting their pieces and have all done an amazing job. The exhibition includes a range of work ‐ from stunning realistic animal sculptures, right through to some original ornate pieces and conceptual carvings. Each piece is really unique.” “They’re excited. This is what the students have been working up to. They’ve spent a lot of time learning the base technical skills, problem solving and the design process. It can be an unforgiving craft so there is a lot of pre‐thought and preparation in carving these pieces.” Sheree Warren says two large unique limestone carvings, created by the students, will feature prominently at the exhibition’s opening night. “Because they don’t fit inside the exhibition we can...
Read the full postGirls Rock Camp Aotearoa launching at MAINZ Auckland Campus
5 Nov 2017
Girls Rock Camp Aotearoa launching at MAINZ Auckland Campus Girls Rock Camp NZ
Read the full postMAINZ contribution to youth mental health
2 Nov 2017
MAINZ contribution to youth mental health The Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand has played a critical role in the development of a new youth resource which tackles the subject of mental illness stigma and discrimination. The Foundation Music and Audio tutors stepped into roles as mental health promoters as the first teaching staff in NZ to run these activities. Conversations for Change is a set of five downloadable activities designed to be used by teachers, youth workers and others working with groups of 15-24-year olds. It aims to encourage young people to reach out for support and to look out for each other while “myth-busting” ideas around mental illness. A development version of the resource was used as a pilot with the Foundation class in February of this year, while tutors ran activities designed to encourage empathy and critical thinking about the area of mental distress. “What I found interesting [about the resource] is accepting and supporting and respecting others on who they are and whatever culture they come from.” responded one student participant. “I was surprised to find the students responded to it as mature young adults,” adds Foundation tutor Harry Champion, “I think it's a credit to the resource and activities that...
Read the full postOutdoor students prepare for real-world jobs
27 Oct 2017
Outdoor students prepare for real-world jobs Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding students have had the chance to dream big and lead a real-world expedition thanks to the support of a local sponsor. Earlier this year, students wrote expedition proposals for a gruelling outdoor trip somewhere in New Zealand. They then pitched the ideas to their TPP tutors, fellow students and an external sponsor and the best idea was selected to become a reality. Lead tutor Zak Shaw says well-known Kiwi solo sea kayaker Paul Caffyn, who lives on the West Coast, sponsored two expeditions in 2016 and had backed another one this year. The expedition proposals were presented in August, and the winning proposal was funded and took place earlier this month. OE Expedition Image Photo left to right: Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding Programme Coordinator Zak Shaw, Student Nathan Stead, Expedition Leader Kristy Williamson, Student Kevin Burgess, Expedition Grant Sponsor Paul Caffyn. Winning student Kristy Williamson says she was “stoked” to have her proposal selected from amongst the entries. She, along with two fellow students and a support crew, completed a multi-pursuit challenge in early October taking them from the Nelson Lakes through to the Old Ghost Road. “It was an amazing opportunity to complete a...
Read the full postTPP student tops scaffolding industry
24 Oct 2017
TPP student tops scaffolding industry Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP) scaffolding student Dylan Storey took out top honours in the business this year, being named Scaffolding Trainee of the Year for 2017. Dylan has completed all his training, through to advanced tickets, through TPP. He says the tutors are experienced and the training has helped him move up in his career. “You learn more about the background and rules for scaffolding, as well as how to do the job safely. Winning the Scaffolder of the Year was a bit of a surprise to be honest. The guys got me to fill in the application but I really wasn’t expecting to get it at all. It’s a great thing to be able to put on my CV but at the moment I plan to stay where I am and keep working up.” TPP General Manager Training for Industry Preeti Singh says safety skills and training are hugely important in the scaffolding industry. “TPP employs highly regarded tutors with the experience and knowledge to ensure all our students are getting the best training possible for industry.” This year’s win makes it nine years in a row that TPP students have taken out the prestigious title from industry body Scaffolding, Access and Rigging New...
Read the full postMAINZ Auckland Open Week
3 Oct 2017
MAINZ Auckland Open Week * Auck MAINZ Open Week Flyer *
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Businesses get on board with Careers Expo
14 Sep 2017
Businesses get on board with Careers Expo More than 30 local businesses, tertiary providers and support agencies have signed-up to be a part of the West Coast Careers Expo at Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP) this weekend. The Expo, to be held at TPP’s Greymouth campus this Saturday 16 September 2017 from 11am to 2pm, will provide job-starters and career-changers with information on what jobs are available on the Coast and what training they can do to help them get started. TPP West Coast General Manager Teresa Schwellnus says the expo brings together local businesses, education providers and support agencies to create a one-stop-shop for job seekers. “There are already more than 30 business and other agencies signed-up – and it’s not too late for others to take part. We’re expecting the expo to be a great opportunity to show people exactly what’s available in the local jobs market, and the training they can do to help them get a foot in the door. Agencies like the Ministry of Social Development will also be there to talk through funding options. “As well as young people looking to get started in their chosen career, we’re also focused on people who are looking to change jobs after some years. “Most people change their careers...
Read the full postCutting-edge technology showcased at West Coast Careers Expo
8 Sep 2017
Cutting-edge technology showcased at West Coast Careers Expo West Coasters can experience the technology behind global phenomenon Pokémon GO, the new Star Wars marketing campaign and Peter Jackson’s latest endeavour WingNutAR at next weekend’s 2017 West Coast Careers Expo at Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP). TPP is bringing augmented reality (AR) to the West Coast, through a new partnership with Fabriko Creative. Based at the Greymouth campus, the company is initially looking to get involved in the community through a series of free pilot programmes in schools that will be launched at the West Coast Careers Expo on Saturday 16 September. The partnership is part of a TPP initiative to support the wider community by opening its doors to businesses and community groups and allowing people to use the facilities and resources available. Fabriko Creative Founder Carl Pavletich says his Koneki concept uses AR to enhance storytelling and education opportunities. AR technology is taking the world by storm, allowing people to experience digital creations in the real world through their smartphone or iPad. “Through the relationships we’ve developed thanks to our partnership with the Polytechnic, we’re looking to partner with local schools, introducing this technology to help kids tell their stories and understand the world around them. The technology...
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