The interim learner and staff advisory committees have been established, a key milestone for Te Pūkenga governance.
Subsidiaries have elected staff representatives to provide advice to Te Pūkenga Council, representing our people and our learners.
The committees held in-person establishment and induction meetings in August, moving their meetings online following the changes to Covid-19 alert levels.
“These committees are a vital part of Te Pūkenga governance. Their role is to represent the voices of our ākonga, staff and Māori at the Council table. It’s about embedding the voice of our people, our partners and our learners at the highest level of Te Pūkenga,” Deputy Chief Executive Learner Journey and Experience Tania Winslade says.
The establishment of a learner advisory committee reflects the commitment to put ākonga at the centre of everything we do.
“It’s essential that we not only make sure learners are at the table, but that they are supported to be there and to represent their diverse peers – but also that they feel heard,” Tania says.
Director People and Culture Keri-Anne Tane acknowledges that many Te Pūkenga subsidiaries already have formal processes for bringing staff and learner voices to their decision-making.
“Te Pūkenga is no different. It’s about helping Council understand key issues from a range of perspectives – including those closest to our learners,” Keri-Anne says.
The committees will meet monthly and each Committee's Council representative will sit as a Council member. A member of Komiti Māori also sits on the Staff Advisory Committee.