Overnight the 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics were incorporated as subsidiary companies, wholly owned by the NZIST, and over the next two days their new Boards of Directors will also meet to pass the necessary resolutions for a seamless governance transition.
In our meeting this morning I outlined some key principles that will guide the implementation of our work.
- We will build an institute that gives effect to the NZIST Charter and the Minister’s Letter of Expectation.
- We will have an unwaivering focus on Māori equity.
- We will keep learners at the centre of everything that we do and every decision that we make.
- We will develop a develop a deeper understanding of business and employer requirements through close connections with Workforce Development Councils and Regional Skills Leadership Groups, ensuring we understand how a national network of provision can meet their needs with an integrated offering across New Zealand.
I also emphasised the important role of staff across the sector in supporting and teaching learners, and our role in supporting them as the year progresses.
We do not underestimate the impact of COVID-19 on this sector, and we will take an appropriately careful and moderate approach to how we operate.
In this environment it will become even more important for us to utilise the capability that exists within the sector as we face the challenges ahead and create the future together.
Across the country, approximately 240,000 people are participating in some form of vocational training. The transition to a fully functional national Institute will take some time, but we have a strong foundation on which to build.
Thank you for continuing to walk with us.
Noho ora mai,
Murray Strong
NZIST Council Chair
