Pōwhiri celebrates shift to national training model

The official transition of Tai Poutini Polytechnic to Te Pūkenga, New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, was marked yesterday with a pōwhiri at the Greymouth campus to signify the mauri/life force or essence of the two entities (Tai Poutini Polytechnic and Te Pūkenga) coming together as one.

West Coast staff welcomed Te Pūkenga Acting Chief Executive Peter Winder, together with Murray Strong, Te Pūkenga Chair, with a pōwhiri and celebration of the transition.  Staff at the other campuses joined the celebration via zoom and took an opportunity to share kai together.

Maraeo Hawea, Layelin Stewart, Dave Mason, Te Pūkenga CE Peter Winder,
Mataia Keepa and Tai Poutini Polytechnic Executive Director Alex Cabrera
at the pōwhiri celebration

Tai Poutini Polytechnic Executive Director Alex Cabrera says the event marks a shift to the new national model for vocational education, which means greater opportunities for access, collaboration and flexibility for learners.

“We’ve been supportive of the intent of the national reforms from the beginning, particularly the plan to ensure greater access to vocational training in the regions and put learners at the centre of our work. We remain committed to providing ākonga (learners) with an exceptional learning experience that will support them into their future careers.

“Yesterday we marked the shift to the new system, but that does not mean any significant change for our ākonga, who will still enjoy the same quality training programmes and support from our dedicated kaiako (tutors). 

“In recent months we have introduced new initiatives and pilot programmes that are testing the benefits of the new national model. We’ve partnered with the Primary Industry Training Organisation to make agriculture training more cohesive for students; we’ve partnered with stakeholders in Westport to open the new Conservation Training and Employment Hub; we’ve joined forces with the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand to bring more flexibility to our programmes and offer online students access to West Coast campus support. These are just some of the ways we’re working with our community to make the best of the new model for our region.

“There’s more work to be done on the detail of the new model and we’re grateful to all of our community partners who’ve worked with us through the process to ensure the best outcomes for the West Coast. We look forward to keeping these partnerships strong in the future.”

Te Pūkenga Acting Chief Executive Peter Winder, attending yesterday’s pōwhiri, welcomed Tai Poutini Polytechnic to the Te Pūkenga whanau.

“It is wonderful to be here in person on the West Coast to welcome you. October marks another key point of our transition journey, as we welcome Tai Poutini Polytechnic and four others to the whare. We welcome Tai Poutini Polytechnic with great respect and acknowledgement of your past and the strengths brings to Te Pūkenga. We are proud to welcome even more kaimahi and ākonga into Te Pūkenga.”

Tai Poutini Polytechnic offically invited into the Te Pūkenga whanau

Learners can head online to www.tpp.ac.nz to look at all the training options and flexible learning opportunities available on the West Coast in 2023. You’re also welcome to visit the Coast Connect Employment and Careers Hub at the Greymouth campus, for advice on career options and support for training and employment opportunities

 

For more information contact:
Paige Smith – Senior Marketing Advisor
DDI: 03 7699 628 | email: paiges@tpp.ac.nz