Stakeholder News | November 2022
Kia ora koutou,
We’ve been talking to a lot of people in the community about the national reform of vocational education and Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s official transition to Te Pūkenga, the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. It’s important to remember that, while we will eventually have a new name, we’re continuing to deliver all the same great training programmes to our learners. All the talk of change clearly raises questions for people and that is understandable. We’re always here to talk through your questions or concerns and explain more about the opportunities the national changes are creating for West Coast learners and employers. We’re also working closely with our Te Pūkenga colleagues to ensure the best interests of the West Coast are captured and secured as part of the change process. We were pleased to welcome the Acting Chief Executive and Chair of Te Pūkenga to our Greymouth campus in October to mark Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s official transition to the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Our aim has always been to continue to provide quality, sustainable tertiary vocational training on the West Coast and we remain committed to that. We’re enrolling now for 2023 programmes and we’d love to hear from you.
Ngā mihi,
Alex Cabrera
Pōwhiri celebrates shift to national training model
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.
The official transition of Tai Poutini Polytechnic to Te Pūkenga, New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, was marked on Wednesday 19 October 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.
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.
“The occasion 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 the pōwhiri, welcomed Tai Poutini Polytechnic to the Te Pūkenga whānau.
“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 strengths you bring to Te Pūkenga. We are proud to welcome even more kaimahi and ākonga into Te Pūkenga.”
To read more visit here.
Ceremony celebrates outdoor education successes
Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Education students celebrating the completion of their training this year along with tutors.
West Coast outdoor education students capped-off a big year last Thursday, celebrating the completion of their training as they take the next steps on their careers.
150 Friends, whanau and industry stakeholders joined students at the Tai Poutini Polytechnic ceremony held at the Greymouth campus. 43 students completed their training in the certificate and diploma outdoor education programmes and awards were presented for exceptional performance.
Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s outdoor education training is highly regarded across New Zealand’s adventure industry, with students going on to thrive in jobs here and around the world.
Manager Teaching and Learning, Annabell Dey says every year we have employers ringing TPP begging for our students to come and work for them. This year was no different and we are so excited to see them all going into employment in the industry, some of the students starting work this weekend and some are employed for the summer so they can come back to TPP next year and complete the diploma. We look forward to hearing about their adventures in February 2023.
The 2022 Tai Poutini Polytechnic Outdoor Education Closing Ceremony acknowledged the hard work of students and recognised some outstanding examples of success. As part of the ceremony annual student awards were announced, they included:
- Cave Creek Student Memorial Excellence Award – Camryn Parkes – awarded to a student who displays excellence in both the academic and practical aspects of the programme.
- Tim Jamieson Medal – Griffyn Gibson -celebrating an individual who brings Whanaungatanga and Manaakitanga to the sport of kayaking.
- Sam Rainey Award –Jointly received by Daniel Cunningham and Sophie Aitken – awarded to a student who is a natural leader who possesses a highly skilled and motivated character, is reliable and empathetic towards others.
The ceremony once again celebrated the diversity and resilience of New Zealand’s adventure industry as employers and staff work through post-Covid challenges and welcome the re-opening of borders.
Leader Academic, Peter Bayliss says the closing ceremony was wonderful way to mark the hard work and success of a very tight-knit group of students.
“Our outdoor education students are always a committed, focused group, determined to use the skills they learn to forge a career in this exciting industry. I wish each of them the very best in their future endeavours and offer them congratulations on a great year.
To read move visit here.
West Coast entrepreneurs put their skills on display
Emerging business tycoons put their ideas to the test at this year’s second inaugural West Coast YES Business Challenge final pitch awards event last night.
Every year Tai Poutini Polytechnic supports The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) across West Coast high schools. The challenge sees teams of secondary students come up with a business idea, then plan and execute their venture under the guidance of local mentors and YES supporters.
For the first time last year an end-of-year gala awards event was held where students offer their final pitch to a panel of judges and winners are selected. The event was repeated this year with fantastic ideas shared.
In 2022, nine teams from West Coast high schools have been involved in YES challenge. Awards from the final pitch were:
- Tai Poutini Polytechnic Young Enterprise West Coast Overall Winner of 2022 – BlessedArtsNZ - Bless Groome from Westland High School
- Development West Coast Award for Excellence in Innovation went to – BlessedArtsNZ - Bless Groome from Westland High School
- West Coast Trades Academy Award for Best Community Focused Business - Aroma Uru – Paris Jackson-Roberts, Prakriti Dhakal, Sophie Donaldson and Marty Rochford from Greymouth High School
- Papa Taiao - Excellence in Regenerative Enterprise – BlessedArtsNZ - Bless Groome from Westland High School
Judges commented on the quality of the pitches at the event and the fantastic business plans that student teams had taken from an idea into a successful venture.
The judging panel included: Tai Poutini Polytechnic Executive Director Alex Cabrera, Development West Coast Chief Executive Heath Milne, ASB Rural Manager and Vice Chair of Māwhera Incorporation Marie-Louise Davidson and Tai Poutini Polytechnic Hard Stone and Jade Carving Tutor and Business Owner of Evolving Stone Sheree Warren. Also attending the event were YES Chief Executive Terry Shubkin and Regan Powell, YES South Island Teaching Mentor.
ASB Rural Manager and Vice Chair of Māwhera Incorporation Marie-Louise Davidson says I was so impressed with the innovation and enthusiasm of everyone that presented to us last night. We really have such talented students here on the Poutini and they should all be very proud of their achievements.
To read more visit here.
Offering support to all West Coast learners
In an extension of a collaboration with the Open Polytechnic to support local learners, Tai Poutini Polytechnic is now helping learners right across the West Coast reach their career goals.
No matter what people are studying, or who they are enrolled with, Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s student support services are now available to any West Coast learner – this includes the use of campus facilities.
The scheme might help a nursing student who is looking for wellbeing support. Or someone working through a building apprenticeship who would like help with the book work. Or it might be someone learning on the farm who could use a hand with some study skills or time management advice.
Vikki Roadley Director - Strategic Initiatives says whatever you’re learning, Tai Poutini Polytechnic is here to help.
“The aim is to make learning easier for everyone on the West Coast, no matter who they are studying with. There are plenty of ways we can give students a hand. We want to help, so we’re asking any learners to just give us a call or email and we’ll show you how to access a whole range of support services.
“This might include a conversation with our wellbeing and support staff about healthcare, talking to our people about the help they can offer around numeracy and literacy if you’re struggling to write your assignments, or targeted support for Māori and Pasifika students.”
“The offer includes access to computers and printing, our library, café and student areas for socialising, and more.”
To read more visit here.
