Kia orāna

I hope you found time to celebrate Cook Islands Language week last week. The theme this year was Ātuitui’ia au ki te au peu o tōku kāinga Ipukarea (Connect me to the traditions and culture of my homeland) which is something we can all identify with. Across Te Pūkenga, we have more than 3,000 Cook Islands ākonga, 1,957 studying on campuses or online and 1,097 Cook Islands apprentices and trainees within Work Based Learning. Kia Orāna kōtou kātoatoa (greetings to you all)!

With Peter currently on leave, I am acting for him and have been reflecting on the size of the wero (challenge) we are undertaking with Tāraia te anamata | Creating our futures consultation. We are bringing together 10,000 kaimahi in 25 entities from different worlds, each with their own cultures and systems, and evolving them into one organisation with one ecosystem of systems and tools.

We are working to confirm the structures of the new Groups, once we have considered all your feedback and actioned any changes to the design.

My ELT colleagues and myself have been particularly impressed by the critical thinking and thoughtful reflection that so many of you provided. Many of you looked not just at the impact on your own role and work area but on the workplan in its entirety. This is invaluable feedback, and important when we look at the transition that we have ahead of us.

Earlier this week I was sent research completed about South Auckland school students and what made successful career transitions from school. While this research didn't provide new insights, it highlighted the finding that in the current economic climate, students are pulled in two directions – education vs economic survival – with the immediate need for family economic viability having to be prioritised over long-term financial security and post-school education. To me, this speaks to our ability to meet these needs, it shouldn't be an either/or. As Te Pūkenga, we can collaborate to support ākonga in work, online or on-campus and provide pathways combining study and work that lead to better futures.

Recently the National Ako Directors, Janine Kapa, Paora Ammunson and I were welcomed by the Workforce Development Councils. Following the mihi whakatau, we shared Whiria Te Ako and Te Pae Tawhiti, before workshopping how we can share insights and ideas. This session was important for building on relationships and talking through how qualification development, assessment and moderation can be collaborative. We are all aware that linear processes will result in delays and extend the time to market for new qualifications. By working together, we can develop the programme of study as the qualification is developed, sharing stakeholder feedback and insights and seeking endorsement as we go. It was pleasing to see that Waihanga Ara-Rau, the construction and infrastructure WDC, profiled Brian Dillon (Pounuku Ako ā-Motu: Hanganga me ngā Angaanga | National Ako Director – Construction and Infrastructure) this week.

As ELT has been reflecting on the Transformation roadmap, the building of Te Pūkenga, the needs of our ākonga and our employers, the relationships with iwi partners and all the other mahi that is happening everyday by our people, it is clear we have no shortage of expectations, objectives, goals, strategies and plans! Te Pūkenga will play a critical role in creating a more highly skilled, productive, inclusive and sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand as the largest tertiary education and training provider in the country. But we need you all to help us with this.

As the kaimahi at Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga know, I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m passionate about the opportunity to build the best vocational education system that meets the needs of all our ākonga and our employers. Our success depends on the talent, skills and commitment of our people, how we understand each other and come together, and how we live our values. Yes, it is tough and sometimes we don’t seem to move forward at all. But when you think about better outcomes for our communities, it is the right thing to do. So thank you all for your continued goodwill, support and openness to change.

Finally, for those who missed it, there was a thoughtful opinion piece published last week by Toa Faneva, Executive Director for Rohe 1. He responded to claims that the centralisation of Te Pūkenga would have a detrimental effect on regional communities, saying he believed quite the opposite – that by building a national network based on collaboration rather than competition at its heart, we can offer greater support to regional learners. You can read the article here: Responding to ākonga need.

Aere rā e kia manuia

Megan Gibbons

Pourangi Mātauranga me ngā Pūnaha Ako | DCE Academic Centre and Learning Systems

Ngā kōrero hou
Our updates

Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga leads research on trans and non-binary-inclusive maternity care

Andrew McSweeney (Pourangi Ākonga me te Ahumahi | DCE of Learner and Employer Experience Attraction) represented Te Pūkenga at the launch of research report “Warming the Whare for Trans People and Whānau in Perinatal Care” in Parliament last month.  

This pioneering two-year research project was led by Otago Polytechnic| Te Pūkenga, with support and funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand and Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health. Their aim was to facilitate projects that would directly contribute to better understanding Aotearoa New Zealand's maternity service, promoting equitable outcomes and fostering a culture of quality improvement. 

The significance of this milestone lies not only in the valuable insights it provides but also in the acknowledgment of Otago Polytechnic's achievement as this was the first time a research grant was awarded to a polytechnic by the Health Research Council of New Zealand, which has traditionally allocated funding to the university sector. 

The research itself delves into the health needs of trans, non-binary, and Takatāpui individuals engaging in perinatal services in Aotearoa. Through this study, clear directions have been identified for health professionals and service providers, guiding them towards offering more equitable and inclusive care. 

“At Te Pūkenga, we are driven by a belief in the transformative power of education, and we are committed to seeing its benefits shared as widely as possible. So, we are proud to lead this research which strongly aligns with the principles of Te Pūkenga, fostering connections with communities and contributing to a more inclusive society in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Andrew.  

We extend a special acknowledgement to the collaborative efforts of the dedicated research team behind this project: 

• Dr George Parker, the lead researcher, formerly from Otago Polytechnic and now working at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington  
• Associate Professor Suzanne Miller, Professor Sally Baddock and Alex Ker, all from Otago Polytechnic 
• Dr Jamie Veale from Waikato University 
• Dr Elizabeth Kerekere from Tiwhanawhana Trust 
• Takatāpui parent advisor, Scout Barbour-Evans. 

This groundbreaking research exemplifies the opportunities we have at Te Pūkenga to make a meaningful contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.  

You can read the full report research report here Warming the whare for trans people and whānau in perinatal care by Te Pūkenga trading as Otago Polytechnic - Issuu 

Join Movember SpeakEasy: A programme for improved mental wellbeing

Are you looking for ways to foster better social connections and enhance your mental wellbeing? Look no further! We're excited to introduce Movember SpeakEasy a facilitated programme for kaimahi designed to tackle everyday challenges and promote open discussions about mental health.

SpeakEasy is a powerful 90-minute programme that aims to normalise the struggles we all face in life. Though initially designed with men in mind, these workshops are a valuable experience for everyone. Our goal is to equip attendees across Te Pūkenga with the necessary tools and capabilities to reach out to others for support and be better equipped to provide that same support to their ākonga, colleagues, whānau and friends.

The sessions are structured to encourage active listening and meaningful engagement, fostering whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building) that is instrumental in supporting one another. By participating in SpeakEasy, you'll gain essential skills that enable you to be more open and better prepared to confront adversity and life's challenges.

The overarching vision of SpeakEasy is to pave the way for prevention and early intervention, tackling mental health issues before they escalate. By embracing a more open and supportive approach, we can break the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help when they need it the most.

Upcoming Programmes:

1. Thursday 31 August: 12.30 – 2.00 pm
2. Thursday 14 September: 12.30 – 2.00 pm
3. Thursday 21 September: 12.30 – 2.00 pm
4. Thursday 26 October: 12.30 – 2.00 pm

Participation is easy—all you need is an internet connection and a willingness to engage in meaningful discussions. Whether you're a long-time advocate for mental health or just starting to explore the topic, SpeakEasy has something valuable to offer you.

To learn more about SpeakEasy and its incredible impact on mental wellbeing, visit Hotaka Hauora | Wellbeing Programmes on Te Whare. The first step towards a healthier and more supportive community is signing up for an upcoming workshop.

Let's break the stigma surrounding mental health together, one conversation at a time. Join us for SpeakEasy online and become a catalyst for positive change in your life and the lives of others.

Pastoral Code leads continue to drive positive changes for our ākonga

The Pastoral Code is a guiding light, ensuring ākonga are at the centre of everything we do at Te Pūkenga. The Code sets out the legislative requirements that we must meet to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all ākonga.

We have a dedicated team of kaimahi and ākonga continuously improving our pastoral care, engaging directly with ākonga every day, helping them navigate through their educational journeys and supporting their overall wellbeing.

To extend the great mahi to date, these kaimahi and ākonga gathered for a two-day wānanga in Auckland. Facilitated by the charismatic Watene Nepe, this hui was a much-awaited opportunity for almost 30 Te Pūkenga people to connect kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face). Despite meeting regularly online over the past year, being in each other's physical presence was truly special, as it allowed the group to build on whanaungatanga and manaaki across the network.

Throughout the wānanga, participants were immersed in deep discussions, and generated valuable insights that will further elevate work in the Pastoral Code space. Engaging workshops were held over the two days, including a ProTecht session with Pam Graham, policy analysis, preparing quality evidence and even a meme competition! They also explored the unification of processes, progressing action plans, future capability development and shared best practice examples.

The wānanga served as a catalyst for further growth and progress. Armed with new insights, strengthened connections, and a shared vision, kaimahi returned to respective business divisions, energized and inspired to make a positive difference for our ākonga.

Whether you work face-to-face with ākonga or behind the scenes, the Code applies to us all, and additional capability development resources will be available later in the year.

You can find more information on the Code here (Pastoral Care Code (sharepoint.com) or by emailing the Code team on pastoralcodesupport@tepukenga.ac.nz

Te Pūkenga aims to listen and respond to the needs of people in the regions

In his column titled ‘Rapid centralisation has a human cost in our regional communities,’ Richard Cain mentions Te Pūkenga as an example of what he calls one of ‘many monoliths now driven by Wellington.’ 

As a recently appointed Co-Leader for one of the network’s four regions or rohe; who resides in Kerikeri, I think it’s important for readers who live, learn and work in regional New Zealand to understand we are not placing decisions in the hands of ‘highly paid, largely anonymous state employees using algorithms,’ with as he puts it, ‘Data, rather than humanity, assuming a greater importance.’ 

Instead, the new model we are moving to has many potential benefits for Kiwis in our regions. 

In March, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga and I were named as leaders for Rohe One, an area including Te Tai Tokerau | Northland and Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland. Both of us have long associations with these provinces and have worked at NorthTec, MIT and Unitec in recent years.  

It’s our job to make sure Te Pūkenga as a national network listens and responds to the needs of locals in Moerewa, as much as it does to those in Manukau and Manurewa.  

As Mr Cain points out there is a high level of diversity within the communities we serve and given our experience recently with Cyclone Gabrielle, needs and priorities can also be fast changing.  

Under the reforms of vocational education, there is a clear requirement for communities to not only gain access to a range of training options locally, but also offer leadership and insights as experts in their own rohe.  

Te Pūkenga which brings together the country’s polytechnics and industry training organisations is a major outcome of the reform. Regional Skills Leadership Groups are another. The groups are independent bodies made up of locals who understand the opportunities and challenges to economic development for their communities.  

Their reports along with data collected and research commissioned by other major reform outcomes, including Workforce Development Councils and Centres of Vocational Excellence offer a clear, up-to-date picture of skills needs across the country present and emerging while developing strategies to deliver to them.   

Building a national network with collaboration rather than competition at its heart will also help regional learners.  

Under the previous model of competing, standalone providers; 19 fulltime learners were required to be enrolled in a qualification for it to be offered on a financially sustainable basis at a given location throughout the country. If numbers dropped below that consistently, it might lead to a course closing thereby jeopardising that training option for a region.  

Te Pūkenga offers us the opportunity to work together to find ways of supporting the needs of learners outside the main centres, as well as hold honest conversations about how we are meeting the needs of those who have been traditionally underserved in our education system.  

I also take Mr Cain’s point about the importance of Māori flaxroots leadership which was on display during the country’s fight against COVID-19.  

As someone who, with his iwi leader’s hat on, held responsibility for coordinating the efforts of 13 iwi to make sure our whānau were safe and cared for, those lessons from the pandemic are never far from my mind as we move forward with Te Pūkenga. 

Meet our kaimahi

‘Meet our kaimahi’ is where we get to know some of our colleagues, recently appointed into new roles.

This edition, we’re profiling Jonathan Cooke who’s recently been appointed as Strategic Finance Director.

Read Jonathan's profile on Te Whare 

Network wins

New qualification revitalises the motorhome building industry

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Almost unbelievable phone call announces award win

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Wellington Regional Skills Leadership Group and partners meet at WelTec to discuss workforce needs for the infrastructure and construction sector

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All or Nothing for automotive student

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