Low student numbers result in Southland Civil Plant programme closure

9 Jun 2017

Low student numbers result in Southland Civil Plant programme closure Declining student numbers in Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s (TPP’s) Southland‐based Civil Plant Operation programme have made it unviable to continue and the programme will be closed as soon as current students have completed their studies. TPP has been consulting with staff and union representatives over the future of the Southland Civil Plant Operation programme in recent months. With just five students enrolled in 2017, it has been decided that it is not economical to continue the programme. The Polytechnic is working with the staff affected by the decision to discontinue the programme in order to appropriately address employment matters. The closure of the programme in Southland will have no direct impact on other TPP Civil and Mining programmes around the country, which continue to attract strong enrolments. TPP Chief Executive Alex Cabrera says the decision to close the Southland Civil Plant Operation programme was not an easy one. “We are acutely aware of the contribution the programme makes to the local economy and of the future of our staff in Southland. Unfortunately, it simply became unviable to continue to offer the programme with such low student numbers. “The closure relates to the ongoing sustainability improvement work currently underway at TPP. It was a difficult decision, however, it is a financially prudent step...

AAP Winter Training

1 Jun 2017

Greymouth and Westport Campus Open Day

28 May 2017

Greymouth and Westport Campus Open Day Greymouth and Westport Campus Open Day

MAINZ Auckland Campus Open Week

28 May 2017

MAINZ Auckland Campus Open Week 12 to 16 July 2018

Music students learn real-world skills

22 May 2017

Music students learn real-world skills MAINZ music and audio students are living the dream this week, as the tertiary school’s real-world pilot programme rolls out. Students will get a taste of real-world production and recording as the entire institute comes together to write, record, produce and distribute a new album. MAINZ Programme Manager Kingsley Melhuish says the week aims to encourage students to work together to achieve a final product, as they would have to do in the real world. “We want to encourage those collaboration skills that are essential to working in the music industry. You can’t work in isolation, particularly here in New Zealand. You need to be able to draw on all the resources you have and create the best end result,” he says. Collaboration Week will see teams of student from across the MAINZ disciplines (performance, production, audio engineering and business) come together to deliver a new album in just one week. They will have to write and perform the songs, plan and book recording sessions and coordinate the album release. The albums will then be release on YouTube, SoundCloud and MAINZ’s own Radio Teapot. The concept is inspired by a model used by partner school the Pop Akademie in Germany, which runs a similar programme for its summer school students. Mr Melhuish says...

Mandarin classes prepare West Coast for tourism growth

9 May 2017

Paddy Hill Graduation Gown

2 May 2017

Paddy Hill Graduation Gown Jack Mathews Graduation 1937 2 A heirloom graduation gown that has been passed down through four generations made its latest appearance at the recent MAINZ Bachelor in Audio Engineering and Production graduation ceremony. Graduate Paddy Hill, 23, says wearing the gown that originally belonged to his great-grandfather made his capping ceremony that much more special. “My great-grandfather, who went on to be a Reverand, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Otago University in 1937. Since then, his gown has also been worn by my great uncle and my mum, who graduated from Lincoln University in 1987. “Mum always kept the gown and I know she hoped that I’d get to wear it one day. It definitely made the day more special, knowing I was carrying that history with me when I graduated. I looked a little different – the older gown is heavier and bulkier – and I needed to get the right hood, but my classmates thought it was a nice touch.” Paddy completed the MAINZ degree in 2016, after first enrolling in the Certificate and Diploma programmes. He says studying for his Bachelor’s degree was a big undertaking, but it was worth all the extra effort and commitment. “I’ve now got...

Winter’s coming – are you and your car ready?

26 Apr 2017

Winter’s coming – are you and your car ready? Make sure your car is ready for winter with a few easy checks and preparations. Remember, if you’re not sure, your local garage will always be able to help or advise. Tips for getting your car winter-ready Check fluid levels:  this includes your engine and automatic transmission oils, brake fluid, coolant(water) in your radiator and expansion tank (check if it has antifreeze in it), and windscreen wash. Tyres: check your tyre pressure and tread depth, although 1.5mm is the legal limit, you really want at least 3mm of tread around the full width and circumference of the tyre during winter. Don’t forget to check the spare! Snow chains: practice fitting on a sunny day so you’re ready when you need them. Unsure? Ask your local supplier or a friend for help and ensure you have the right fit for the car. Battery: your battery hates cold mornings as much as you do. You can ask your local supplier to help you check. Auto2 *What if the battery is flat? How do I jump-start my car?* A. Removes the keys from both vehicles and ensure lights are off. B. Connect the jump leads as set out below - make sure...

Extreme weather closes Auckland and Waikato campuses

13 Apr 2017

*Extreme weather closes Auckland and Waikato campuses* 13 April 2017 TPP campuses in Auckland and Waikato will close today following advice from authorities in response to the extreme weather in the region. All MAINZ staff and students are advised to stay away from the Auckland CBD campus today, while TPP’s Auckland-based trades campus on Ascot Road will be closed from 10.30am. The Waikato Digger School in Cambridge will also close today. Auckland Civil Defence has called for non-essential travel to be cancelled in the region and is advising workers not to enter the CBD. The campuses have been closed for health and safety reasons. Arrangements are being made for supervision of any students who do turn up to campus until they can make other plans. *We will keep staff and students informed as the situation unfolds today, please keep an eye on the website and social media channels.* *TPP campuses closed today:* MAINZ Auckland 150 Victoria Street West AUCKLAND 1010 NEW ZEALAND TPP Auckland Trades Campus 92 Ascot Road Airport Oaks AUCKLAND 2022 NEW ZEALAND Waikato Digger School Swaps Quarry Taotaora Road Cambridge *Please direct urgent enquiries to:* Facilities Manager – Doug Griffin 027 256 9017 dougg@tpp.ac.nz Communications and Marketing Manager – Mequa Hourston 027 237 5844 mequah@tpp.ac.nz

Develop staff interpersonal skills

30 Mar 2017

Develop staff interpersonal skills Most job advertisements these days require applicants to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. These are crucial to organisation success, especially in customer service roles, but difficult to measure and very hard to ‘teach’. So what are some of the keys to effective interpersonal communication? Develop staff interpersonal skills 1. Develop an understanding of self. Fostering self-awareness and self-esteem can enhance an individual’s communication competence. 2. Develop an understanding of others. Understanding individual differences in culture, experience, personality, values and so on, can help create empathy and bridge the gap between individuals. The Johari window is one tool that you can use to gain an understanding of the effects of feedback and disclosure in increasing self-awareness and understanding relationships with others. Want to know more about developing interpersonal skills in yourself and your team? Come along to TPP’s Business Communications course starting 24th February 2017.