2021 looks set to be another challenging year for everybody everywhere, as the pandemic continues to disrupt societies and economies across the world. Despite our relatively fortunate position here in New Zealand, I acknowledge that we all face uncertain times as these last few weeks have again reminded us. I appreciate the incredible ongoing mahi that you are all contributing to, continuing to deliver great learner experiences throughout the country.
As we worked through the early stages of the establishment of Te Pūkenga, last year saw a focus on listening and engaging. This will continue to be an important theme for the year ahead. We will continue to seek and nurture input from many voices as we work towards shaping our new learning community.
Consultation on the operating model for Te Pūkenga will continue during 2021 and we look forward to being in a position where there is some clarity and direction for everyone into the future. This period of transition can be unsettling, of course, and uncertainty can be a challenge for many of us. The process we are undertaking will provide everyone with a clear picture of how we best meet the objectives of the RoVE reforms to achieve positive outcomes for staff, whānau and the wider community.
Please take the opportunities to be involved in our operating model co-design process. The work being done by the co-design team is well underway. We’re pleased to be launching the ‘Our Journey’ space today for you to share your thoughts and your voice as part of this work. It’s important we hear from as many diverse voices as possible so please share your voice with us; and encourage your whānau, peers, and colleagues to join the conversation.
I’ve recently enjoyed some specific opportunities to speak with, and hear the voices of, representatives of groups who are often underrepresented in our education community or who have faced and overcome the greatest challenges. It is humbling and inspiring to hear their voices and get their input into our collective future and this is something we are committed to doing more of with the operating model development process.
A focus for me in the coming months will be to spend significant time visiting and engaging with the network. I’ll continue to meet with learners and staff, as well as leadership teams, both to listen and to give updates where I can. It’s certainly going to be a busy and vital few months, hearing from and engaging with our people on the ground.
Ngā mihi
Stephen Town
Chief Executive
