Kia ora koutou katoa, he mihi nui tēnei ki a koutou katoa i tēnei wā.

Amongst the media mentions over the past couple of weeks, I just had to single out one moment which captured the nation and even went international. That was the reaction to Kiisha-Rose Woodhouse taking her baby son up on stage at Ara Graduation. Together they encapsulated the importance of whānau-centred educational journeys that I know kaimahi support so well.

Just a reminder that we are on track to confirm most arrangements around Tāraia te anamata | Creating our futures for kaimahi no later than 5 April. The next step in our disestablishment journey is to review Te Pūkenga national office. The Executive Leadership Team (ELT) met this week to begin determining which of these functions and deliverables can be returned to divisions and what we need to remain at national office to support the disestablishment process.

This week WBL Executive Directors attended a meeting with Specialist Advisors. This was a great opportunity for us all to get together and discuss potential ideas for the future. This hui followed on from one held last week that looked at international business.

Over the next few weeks, specialist advisors will, with the support of regional and business division executive directors, start engaging with community leaders and key stakeholders. The specialist advisors will be seeking views on how we can best deliver vocational education and training to meet regional and community needs.  While advisors do not have decision-making authority, their insights will be useful in supporting the future direction of the sector.

A reminder that ‘Karawhuia te reo!’ expressions of interest close this evening. ‘Karawhiua te reo!’ is a micro-credential for kaimahi who want to enhance their fluency in te reo Māori. You can find out more on Te Whare.

With the Easter weekend ahead, I hope you all get time to have a break and spend time with whānau and friends. The long weekend is a great opportunity to switch out of work mode and recharge. I encourage you all to take a break – you deserve it.

Ngā mihi o te wā Aranga ki a tātou katoa, e tau ana

Gus Gilmore
Tumuaki | Chief Executive

Ngā kōrero hou
Our updates

New Advisory Groups for higher education and research

Yesterday the Government announced the establishment of two new Advisory Groups, one to review the challenges faced by the university system and another to strengthen the science, innovation and technology system. The first is to be led by the MoE and the second by MBIE with both chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman. These groups are called:

• Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) – the SSAG will provide recommendations to the MBIE to strengthen the science, innovation and technology system and ensure its future success. Its focus will be CRIs.
• University Advisory Group (UAG) – the UAG will provide advice to the Ministry of Education that outlines challenges and opportunities in the university system. The focus of the UAG is New Zealand’s eight universities and the PBRF will be a particular focus for the Group.

As a part of this announcement, a decision has been made by the Minister to cancel Quality Evaluation 2026 (the next PBRF round) and TEC will not continue any more work towards PBRF Quality Evaluation 2026. That said, 2024 indicative funding for Business Divisions will remain unchanged as will the total funding allocated to PBRF.

The process is intended to run into early 2025 which should allow for the network to engage in the process and inform any outcomes. Noting, that the current obvious emphasis is on universities and CRIs, both reviews will impact Te Pūkenga directly. We will engage as it impacts us and our ability to serve our communities through rangahau and research.

Throughout this period we remain committed to rangahau and research. It is an important aspect of what we do. It informs our ako practices and helps to contribute to the wellbeing of our communities. This will continue.

You can read more about the announcements and the two working groups here: UAG and SSAG.

LinkedIn Learning now available

Great news! LinkedIn Learning is now available, free, for all Te Pūkenga kaimahi. Dive into a world of endless learning opportunities and connect with all that LinkedIn Learning has to offer!

LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform designed to empower employees to achieve their professional goals by providing access to learning resources anytime, anywhere.

For more information, head over to Te Whare. Through LinkedIn Learning, you can explore a wide range of curated courses and learning pathways that will enable you to:

• enhance your skills
• grow within your current profession
• explore potential career paths
• work towards personal goals.

If you are new to LinkedIn Learning, it's important to log in for the first time through your work computer to activate your single sign-on. You'll only have to do this once. If your division already uses LinkedIn Learning, there's no need to worry; keep using it as usual. Once you've logged in, you can access LinkedIn Learning from any device using your work email address and password, enhancing your skills, knowledge and capability wherever you are!

If you have any questions or need help with LinkedIn Learning, you can find digital support options conveniently located in the right-hand menu on the LinkedIn Learning page of Te Whare.

Additionally, if you're looking for a refresher on how to use and maximize LinkedIn Learning's benefits, consider registering for one of our upcoming drop-in sessions. Choose the time that works best for you on Te Whare.

Empower yourself with LinkedIn Learning and unlock your full potential today!

Apple partnership graduates recognised

Last week, 40 Tāmaki Makaurau kura and school teachers were acknowledged for gaining a micro-credential developed by Te Pūkenga in partnership with Apple at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae, Unitec.

The qualification supports educators delivering to high proportions of Māori and Pasifika ākonga (learners) to grow their teaching skills in app development, digital media and programming; so in turn they may better connect more learners with careers in the tech sector.

Currently, Māori as 17% of the population make up just 4% and Pasifika 2.8% of the workforce in technology-related fields, with underrepresentation carrying with it intergenerational impacts.

Participating schools also received ongoing support and a device grant from Apple.

“iPad and Mac allows us to support our students to thrive with new skills for the future, while still remembering their culture and who they are. By harnessing the best of both worlds, our students can grow up and grow tall in this world,” says Matua Jeff Rua of Mahi-a-toi Academy (Māori immersion programme) at Rutherford College.

“Covid has forced us to fast track towards the future, to explore new ways of learning and expand our tech skills. The time is now to change direction and take deliberate steps to safeguard our whānau and prepare them for the future.” says Tahuri Tumoana, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae, Kaiako Hangarau / Matihi.

“In the digital technology space, we know there are challenges in terms of equity and diversity. The great thing about this kaupapa is we are doing something about it by demonstrating our commitment to change collectively,” says Te Pūkenga Tumuaki | Chief Executive Gus Gilmore.

“Delivering a micro-credential to kaiako allows all their students to receive enhanced support towards technology futures within a familiar, supportive cultural environment.”

The mahi is part of Apple’s global Racial Equity and Justice Initiative REIJI, a long-term global effort to advance equity in education, economic empowerment and criminal justice reform by expanding opportunities for Black, Hispanic/Latinx and Indigenous communities.

New resources available to support teams build kotahitanga (interconnectedness)

Bring your team together, strengthen team connection and create an inclusive culture with the Kaiārahi kete | Leadership kit.

Use the activities in the kete to strengthen team connection and kotahitanga (interconnectedness), at the start of a new semester or to set or re-establish focus and direction.

Choose from a range of activities, including a half-day Hui ā-tīma | Team Hui, mindfulness activities or energisers designed to boost team connection. The content and activities can be modified depending on your focus. 

The activities and resources are designed to create an inclusive culture and move your team towards our values through manaakitanga (kindness) and whanaungatanga (shared experiences).

Visit the Akoranga kaimahi | Kaimahi learning page on Te Whare to access the kete and discover resources to support your team.

Introducing Menopause My Way on Taumauri

On Taumauri, we're launching a revolutionary supportive hub "Menopause My Way", shattering the stigma and opening the conversation for everyone. Gone are the days of hushed tones and awkward silences!

Menopause is a shared journey. This isn't just a women's issue. It's a human experience, and we're all in this together. "Menopause My Way" is designed to:

• Connect: Share experiences, offer encouragement, and build meaningful connections with others navigating this stage of life.
• Learn: Ask questions, find valuable resources, and empower yourself with knowledge.
• Unite: Let's break down barriers and bridge the gap across generations. We're a united force, supporting each other through every step of menopause.

Taumauri is a platform by and for you. Dive into stimulating discussions, ask those burning questions, and forge lasting connections. This is your chance to make a difference, be heard, and find the support you deserve.

Join the "Menopause My Way" movement today and explore Taumauri. Trust us, you won't regret it!