Tēnā tātou katoa
As I write this, I’m reflecting on the very big few weeks we have had. Yesterday was a big day in itself – starting with an extraordinary meeting of our Council where it approved the first version of our transformation roadmap, a key requirement of the Minister’s Letter of Expectations for Te Pūkenga, and our guide for moving from current state to steady state.
Tāraia te anamata | Creating our futures is a key element of this roadmap, and so named because it requires a collective effort from each of us to shape our future together. We face significant challenges, and many of the headwinds are not unique to us and are being felt across the tertiary sector. But those challenges are also our greatest opportunity.
With consultation closing last week, the feedback you provided is critical to how we shape our new organisation. On behalf of the ELT, thank you for your whakaaro on what we proposed, how you envision this working in your respective area, things we may have gotten wrong and anything we may have overlooked.
There has been massive engagement – we received 8304 pieces of feedback, emails, and submissions. I’m incredibly heartened by this. It demonstrates your commitment to Te Pūkenga and the opportunity we have to make a real difference for our ākonga and employers, and to become an organisation that all kaimahi can be proud of.
Given the volume of the feedback however, we are still working to confirm the timing for decisions on the final structure. We need to take the time and give your feedback the serious consideration it deserves. But rest assured we are moving as fast as we can to provide you with certainty. We will continue to update you throughout this next stage.
This week we are reading, theming and considering all submissions. Our focus is to build an organisation with the agility and focus to continually meet the changing needs of ākonga, employers, communities and Aotearoa New Zealand. Key to this is how we balance national, regional and local delivery and achieve equity for our ākonga, their whānau and communities.
I also want to acknowledge the upcoming release of Te Pūrongo ā-Tau Annual Report next week once it is tabled in Parliament. This is a huge milestone for us all as it is the first Annual Report to capture all 25 entities brought together as Te Pūkenga.
Key highlights for me include the 270,993 learners (on campus, online and on-the-job) whose lives we touched, 48,037 ākonga graduated, an ākonga satisfaction rate of 89%, 70.4% of Māori learners completed their courses and 77.2% of all courses were completed. We have continued to establish significant strategic partnerships with industry and employers, including New Zealand Defence Force and Kāinga Ora, developed the Equity and Ākonga Success Strategy after extensive consultation, and strengthened our partnerships with hapū, iwi and Māori to support closer alignment with need and higher participation and course completion rates.
Importantly, the report illustrates the size and scale of our network, and the real potential we have to build on this in delivering significant gains in vocational and applied learning that better meet the needs of our communities and regions enabling more learners to gain the skills, training and qualifications they need, faster and with less debt. I’m excited about the journey ahead and look forward to working with your on realising our potential.
Nāku iti noa nei, nā
Peter Winder
Tumuaki | Chief Executive
Consultation update
Consultation closed last Friday and we would like to thank all kaimahi for sharing their whakaaro (thoughts). As expected in the last week there was a huge volume of submissions received. Approximately 50 percent of all feedback was received in the final two days.
The level of engagement from kaimahi with this process has been fantastic and your thoughts are helping to shape the future of Te Pūkenga. We appreciate the time and consideration you have given to this process. Overall we received 8,304 pieces of feedback, emails, and submissions. Some key engagement statistics show:
- Total number of unique users to access What Say You: 4692
- Questions and comments from kaimahi on What Say You: 5690
- Total number of feedback emails received in the ODC Feedback inbox: 2702
While the comments and submission function of What Say You has now closed you can still read the consultation documents and frequently asked questions (FAQs). Alongside the more general FAQs, we have recently added a section for business group-specific FAQs. You can find these both on What Say You as well as Te Whare.
Please remember your local PCW representatives are available to assist with questions. Please do reach out in whichever way is most comfortable for you (including through your union representatives) as we want you to have the information you need rather than be left wondering or receiving misinformation.
Karakia marks partial reopening of EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay campus
EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director Glen Harkness (left) with Te Pūkenga Deputy Chief Executive Ako Delivery Gus Gilmore at the Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale.
Parts of EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay campus have reopened for delivery to ākonga (learners) in time for the start of Semester 2.
EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director Glen Harkness says it is a significant step forward in the building programme.
“This is the first return to campus for teaching since we closed on February 14. A lot of hard work has gone in to get us to this point and we are pleased that several of our programmes requiring specialist facilities have now moved back on campus.
“It is a big day for us and for the community as it is the first step on the road to us returning to normal.”
Cyclone Gabrielle caused extensive damage to the Taradale site in February when the nearby Tutaekuri River rose inundating most buildings with flood water and contaminated silt.
A karakia, led by EIT | Te Pūkenga Kaumātua Matiu Eru, was held early on Monday 17 July with a number of kaimahi and guests attending.
The specialist spaces being reopened account for about 30 per cent of the campus. They include veterinarian nursing, nursing, viticulture, wine science, some creative disciplines, plumbing, automotive and mechanical engineering.
“Those buildings have limited damage and are easy to repair. They also give us access to specialist spaces for teaching that we couldn't readily access in the community.
“It means we can continue largely with our delivery as planned. So, it's a massive step in the right direction,” Mr Harkness says.
About 45 sites across Hawke’s Bay are currently operating as part of the EIT | Te Pūkenga extended campus.
A building programme is currently under way to restore damaged facilities, with a plan to have almost all programmes return to campus by early 2024.
Kaimahi trained to facilitate Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa programme nationwide
We are thrilled to announce the successful training of 30 dedicated kaimahi from various regions across the country, made possible by the generous support of Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, and at the suggestion of our ākonga. They are now fully equipped to share their knowledge with all Te Pūkenga kaimahi in an ongoing series of two-day Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa programmes, commencing on the 14th of August.
Developed by the national workforce development centre, Te Pou, this Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa programme equips kaimahi with essential skills to recognise the warning signs of mental health challenges or crises, offer non-judgmental assistance, and guide those in need towards professional help.
Last year, our ākonga told us that they would like to see Te Pūkenga kaimahi trained to be able to have important discussions around mental health. We pulled together a team of kaimahi who bring a wealth of expertise and personal experiences, hailing from diverse backgrounds in nursing, occupational therapy, social work, and psychology. You can learn more about these passionate facilitators on Te Whare.
Leading the implementation of the programme is Craig Bulloch, our Kaikōkiri Hauora | Wellbeing and Occupational Health Lead. "Offering mental health first aid training in-house allows us to continue to better support our ākonga, kaimahi and loved ones." Craig's drive stems from a desire to change the perception of mental health and create a world where everyone feels comfortable discussing wellbeing with anyone.
Mental health should be a priority for everyone, says Craig, and programmes like this have a proven track record of effectively addressing and eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Learn more and register for the course
The in-person sessions for the programme are held in every region across the motu, starting on August 14 at Toi Ohomai in Rotorua. The sessions are open to all kaimahi in each region, but spaces are limited.
To register for this and other transformative programmes dedicated to personal growth and wellbeing, visit Hotaka Hauora | Wellbeing Programmes on Te Whare.
New Investment Plan sets out funding plans
Te Pūkenga has released our Mahere Haumi | Investment Plan 2023-2025 that formally sets out our direction for the next few years.
This plan was approved by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) last year and outlines how we will meet the needs of our learners, employers, iwi and our communities. It sets out how we will invest the funding we receive from TEC under the Unified Funding System (UFS).
The UFS has three components:
- the delivery component – based on subject and mode of delivery - this makes up around 85% of funding,
- learner component – provides increased funding to support historically underserved learners,
- strategic component – provides additional funding to support regional and national skills needs.
Dr Megan Gibbons, Pourangi Mātauranga me ngā Pūnaha Ako | DCE Academic Centre and Learning Systems says the Investment Plan sets out how we will allocate the funding we receive under the learner and strategic components. The delivery component supports our ongoing and existing services to ākonga and employers.
“In developing this plan, we have considered both the WDC and RSLG advice and priority areas, and our own equity and ākonga success initiatives to identify those projects that would best align with the learner and strategic component funding we received,” she says.
“As we work to transform the future of vocational education, our priorities are around different ways of delivery, a clearer link to the regional and employer needs, supporting iwi aspirations and rural and remote provision, while also ensuring we support our priority ākonga to ensure they are successful.”
Footie fanatics volunteer for the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Self-confessed football fanatics Reece Burtenshaw and Jack Gee can’t wait to lend at hand at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
The Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga ākonga have volunteered for the top-shelf event, for which Ōtepoti Dunedin will host six pool matches over July and August, including a Football Ferns match.
By volunteering, Reece and Jack are combining study with an enduring interest in the sport.
Both in the first year of a three-year Bachelor of Applied Science at Otago Polytechnic, Reece moved to Dunedin from Timaru, and Jack from Gore, to begin their tertiary journey.
“I chose this programme because I enjoy sports, gym and help coach people,” Reece says, adding: “I am hoping to work in a sporting/gym setting to promote or assist physical activity in different ways.”
Passionate about football, Reece is excited at the opportunity to get “behind the scenes” for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
“I am a huge football fan. My family has been involved in football for many generations and I am carrying it on.
“Volunteering for the World Cup connects to my studies at Otago Polytechnic – we have to complete a certain amount of hours in the community, including helping out at sport-related activities.”
Likewise, Jack can’t wait to get amongst the action at the prestigious tournament.
“I have already been assigned to a pre-ceremonies team leader volunteer role and I have an idea that I will be holding flags or setting up before matches begin.
“The event connects to my studies by giving me a chance to experience the sporting community from a voluntary aspect.
“However, I would have volunteered regardless. I am a passionate football fan and have played the sport since I was six years old.”
“I'm studying for a Bachelor of Applied Science because I am really passionate about sports and coaching and would like to incorporate it into my future career and head into the sporting community, specifically football.”
Ākonga star on Country Calendar
Don’t fence them in . . . Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga agricultural ākonga (learners) and kaimahi (staff) recently starred on the small screen as part of a Country Calendar episode.
The 30-minute episode, which screened on TV One on Sunday 23 July, was the result of a five-day shoot held in Central Otago in March.
The episode focuses on the operations of Tinwald Farm, which plays an important part in ongoing innovations in providing practical, hands-on agricultural learning for Otago Polytechnic ākonga.
Recognising that farming courses could not be effectively delivered solely in a classroom, Otago Polytechnic signed a memorandum of understanding with Tinwald Farm, a 744ha property between Cromwell and Wanaka that runs sheep and beef and also grows pinot noir grapes.
As a result, in 2020 Tinwald Farm opened its gates to Otago Polytechnic ākonga, who spend more than half of their academic time at the farm, where they are engaged in everyday tasks that enable them to meet academic requirements as well as gain the real-world skills and knowledge.
Otago Polytechnic’s High Country Farming programme, delivered from its Central Campus in Cromwell, offers a New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems; Level 3) and a New Zealand Certificate in Operational Skills (Infrastructure; Level 3).
“We are unique in delivering a high-country focus,” says Central Otago-based Lecturer Roger Williams.
“And having relationships with a number of farms and stations within the local farming community is vital to the effectiveness of our programmes – as well as to student engagement and success.”
What Te Pūkenga means for the regions
I picked up the Greymouth Star carrying the headline “’Significant risk’ seen in polytech change” on the front page a couple of weeks ago.
I was in town with fellow Te Pūkenga Region Four Co-Leader, Megan Pōtiki, to talk to the West Coast Development Council and other local groups about how vocational education can best support their plans to make sure this place and its people really thrive.
Megan and I understand that a national network for skills training is still a relatively new concept. We also know the important role the local polytech, which is now part of Te Pūkenga, plays for this region as the only tertiary-level provider that trains homegrown graduates for industries that are the lifeblood of the regional economy.
Te Pūkenga, rather than centralising vocational education into what some have called a ‘mega-polytechnic’, is creating a regionally-responsive national network that can bring new scale and resources to West Coast students, their whānau, and industries.
But Te Pūkenga can’t do this without the unique local insights, expertise and experiences of every region. We are fortunate to be able to work with Te Tai Poutini and their capable team as we forge new ways of working across our network.
The legislation that established Te Pūkenga requires us to not only provide a range of learning options to students in every region, but also to support opportunities for local leadership and to act on local feedback.
That’s why Megan and I were here when the network’s consultation with Te Tai Poutini staff and others across the country made the news. On the day, we spoke to the West Coast Development Council and leadership of the Regional Skills Leadership Group at Te Tai Poutini West Coast to learn more about what they see as opportunities to work alongside Te Pūkenga. One example was creating a centre for excellence in conservation education in the province - a large percentage of which is national park land. We also heard about the real shortage there is in the area for trained counsellors to support the mental health needs of the community.
The way the new system works is it then becomes our job as a network to respond to make a difference to real world outcomes for the people of the West Coast. Resolving some of these training issues – particularly the last example I mentioned – becomes a priority; Te Pūkenga has the mandate, resources and flexibility to deliver on local ideas.
In addition, Te Pūkenga has some important advantages for less populated regions like the West Coast because it reduces competition with other institutions.
A united body of 24 organisations means we can all pull together in a more coordinated effort in a range of areas. One of these is attracting the important offshore market of international learners, bringing more to every region throughout New Zealand.
We realise it’s early days, but Megan and I are really looking forward to working with those in your community who live and breathe skills training to ensure Te Pūkenga does the job it needs to do for the people of the West Coast.
Get to know our leaders
Our leaders bring together a wide range of skills, diverse backgrounds, and some interesting guilty pleasures. Visit the ‘Meet Our Leaders’ page on Te Whare to find profiles on our leadership team.
Network wins
Rotorua International Students Receive Mayoral Welcome
Takina Te Hau e Te Reo Karanga - empowering the voice of wāhine Māori
New qualification offers road to success
Partnership celebrated as secondary ākonga begin tertiary journey towards civil infrastructure careers