Kia ora koutou Te Pūkenga whānau

I want to acknowledge the incredible effort you've all put in over the past six months. It's been a period of significant change and uncertainty for us all, and I know it hasn't been easy.

Through it all, your dedication to our ākonga, employers, and iwi partners has been unwavering. You've adapted to new ways of working, tackled complex challenges, and kept our focus on delivering high-quality vocational education and training. For that, I want to express my sincere gratitude.

Very soon, the Minister will table our annual report in Parliament. The result is much better than forecast last year; as soon as possible, we will share the report with you. I want to acknowledge and celebrate your efforts.

As we navigate the changing landscape with the new government, it's important to acknowledge that the sector's future direction is still being decided. Further announcements will be made in the coming months. However, while the shape of the changes unfold, our core purpose remains constant: achieving success for our ākonga, employers, and iwi partners. This unwavering focus will guide us through upcoming changes and be our North Star.

Our immediate priority is ensuring we have a strong year despite the uncertainty. Let's continue delivering excellent vocational education and support to our ākonga, fostering strong relationships with employers, and collaborating effectively with our iwi partners.

Most importantly, let's look after each other. We're a strong team and will transition to new teams, and continuing to support one another through periods of change is crucial. Use the resources available to you, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

With your continued dedication and collaborative spirit, I'm confident we'll weather these transitions, and our ākonga, employers, iwi partners and broader stakeholder groups will emerge even stronger.

Thank you once again for all your mahi.

Ngā mihi nui

Gus Gilmore

Tumuaki | Chief Executive

Ngā kōrero hou
Our updates

An Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere! - New Zealand Sign Language Week 2024

This year’s New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week runs from Monday, May 6, to this Sunday, May 12. The theme, "an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere," aims to inspire widespread adoption and celebration of NZSL throughout New Zealand.

Lachlan Keating, Chief Executive of Deaf Aotearoa, expressed excitement about this year's theme, stating, "This year, it’s about spreading the joy of NZSL to every corner of Aotearoa. We want to make NZSL a language for everyone, everywhere, from hikers in the South Island to fishermen out on the ocean in the upper North Island."

Some facts about NZSL:

• NZSL is easy to learn and fun to use. It has practical applications for everyday life, from teaching your baby to communicate, to signing through a window at your kids outside.
• NZSL became an official language in New Zealand in 2006, alongside Te Reo Māori and English, and is one of only two native languages in the country.
• According to the 2018 New Zealand Census, approximately 4,600 Deaf people in New Zealand and 23,000 Kiwis regularly use NZSL.
• NZSL is accessible to everyone regardless of hearing level, and it plays a vital role in the lives of Kiwi families with Deaf children and the wider Deaf community.

Let’s have some fun with NZSL at mahi! There are three fun challenges to choose from to help you and your ākonga hone your NZSL skills:

1. Seven Minutes of Signing: Get together over morning tea, grab some NZSL posters with pictures showing how to sign common phrases, and spend just 7 minutes giving NZSL a go!
2. Learn 7 Signs: Can you learn seven new signs this NZSL Week? That’s only one each day! Put some NZSL posters up around the place and practice over morning tea or lunch.
3. Sign a Song: Give Six60’s Pepeha song a try in NZSL! This is the toughest challenge, but if you’re familiar with NZSL, this could be your next step! The full instructions are on the NZSL website. Head there and get practising!

Be sure to upload videos and photos of yourself doing the challenges, tag @DeafAotearoa and use the hashtags #NZSLWeek24 and #NZSLWeekChallenge.

We can’t wait to see you giving NZSL a try!

Visit nzslweek.org.nz for more resources, challenges, and activities for a fantastic NZSL Week 2024.

Ka Tū Te Rā: returning woven sails to voyaging waka in Aotearoa

In a significant stride towards cultural revitalisation and innovation, Ngā Wai a Te Tūī (Maori and Indigenous Research Centre) at Unitec has secured a substantial grant under the 2024 investment round of Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund. The grant, totalling $149,945, is part of the Connect Scheme, aimed at fostering connections between Māori organisations and the science and innovation system.

The project, 'Ka Tū Te Rā,' is a collaboration between weaving and waka voyaging experts and the research, science and innovation sector. It aims to facilitate and support the resurgence of traditional Māori sail weaving, reviving a practice that hasn’t graced Aotearoa waters for more than 150 years.

At the heart of the project lies Te Rā, the last traditionally woven Māori sail, which recently made its temporary return from the British Museum to Aotearoa. The homecoming sparked a collective aspiration within weaving and waka communities to reclaim their heritage by reintroducing woven sails to voyaging waka.

The one-year scoping project will develop a robust research and development plan, laying the groundwork for creating and testing innovative modern textiles using traditional weaving techniques. By leveraging expertise from Māori weaving traditions and scientific domains, the team aims to produce resilient woven sails tailored for voyaging waka.

Two immersive wānanga sessions, each spanning three days, will convene raranga and waka experts, computer modellers and textile engineers to exchange knowledge and insights. Drawing from the rich tapestry of mātauranga Māori woven into Te Rā, the team hopes to replicate its mastery using harakeke and push the boundaries of modern technology.

Changes to Te Pūkenga website to streamline navigation and enhance transparency

Te Pūkenga's website has been reworked as part of our preparation for disestablishment. The changes aim to foster transparency and streamline navigation.

People who want to study and train with us are now redirected to business units.

A dedicated page has been created where you can now readily access and review responses to Official Information Act (OIA) requests about Te Pūkenga disestablishment. These responses are conveniently located on the 'Media' page.

Since the launch of the OIA page on 19 April, we have observed over 300 visits, indicating a strong interest in accessing this valuable information.

On-campus spaces for educational equity

Recently, there’s been public discussion about allocated on-campus spaces supporting educational outcomes for Māori and Pacific ākonga.

Te Pūkenga recently responded to an Official Information Act (OIA) request from ACT Minister of Parliament Dr Parmjeet Parmar about providing safe space rooms for Māori, Pacific, LGBTQIA+, and other identity groups.

It was an opportunity for Te Pūkenga to communicate our values, guidance, legislation, strategies and codes of practice underpinning our mahi and how they relate to ākonga needs.

On-campus business divisions of Te Pūkenga provide spaces for a wide range of groups, including those traditionally underserved by education or facing specific learning challenges.

All are welcome in such spaces; access is not enforced nor monitored in an exclusionary way. It is important that all ākonga feel safe and supported. Spaces are utilised based on the kaupapa and tīkanga of each space, and users are expected to respect the area.

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) requires all publicly funded educational institutions to work towards parity for Māori, Pacific and disabled ākonga, and report on the measures taken to achieve this goal.

Offering such spaces – both physical and online - allows ākonga to achieve success by providing support and assistance to enhance their learning journeys in a setting that responds to their specific needs.

This is in accordance with our values of manawa nui, manawa roa, and manawa ora, meets our obligations under the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary & International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, and helps achieve the goals of Te Pae Tawhiti Tiriti o Waitangi Excellence Framework.

Embracing change: self-care and the circle of control help illuminate the way forward

In the whirlwind of life's changes, amidst the unpredictable currents, it's easy to feel swept away, powerless. Yet, within this flux lies an opportunity for growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Today, we explore two clips that shed light on navigating change with grace and fortitude: self-care in the face of change and understanding the circle of control.

Watch: Self-care amidst change, Kim Laurence, Regional Clinical Coordinator

Change can be a formidable force, stirring emotions ranging from excitement to apprehension. In times of upheaval, it's crucial to anchor ourselves in self-care. This clip underscores the significance of nurturing our well-being amidst life's transitions. Whether through mindfulness practices, exercise routines, or moments of solitude, self-care serves as a compass, guiding us through turbulent waters. Remember, amidst change, prioritise your mental, emotional, and physical health – for it is from this foundation that resilience, our ability to bounce back, blooms.

Watch: The Circle of Control – Craig Bulloch, Wellbeing and Occupational Health Lead

As change sweeps through our lives, it's easy to fixate on what lies beyond our influence. Enter the circle of control – a powerful concept reminding us to focus our energy where it matters most. This clip illuminates the wisdom of discerning between what we can change and what we cannot. We reclaim agency amidst uncertainty by directing our efforts towards the things within our sphere of influence – our attitudes, actions, and responses. Letting go of the rest, we find liberation in acceptance and empowerment in action.

As we navigate the ebb and flow of life's changes, let us embrace self-care as our anchor. And let the circle of control be our guiding light, reminding us to focus our energy where it matters most. Together, let's cultivate resilience, nurture well-being, and forge ahead with courage and grace.

In the dance of change, may we find strength in self-care, and serenity in our circle of control.

Privacy Week 2024: Busting Privacy Myths 

Next week, May 13- 17, is Privacy Week. This year's theme is 'Busting Privacy Myths'.

Privacy Week is a fantastic opportunity to discuss privacy issues and the importance of protecting personal information. 

The Privacy Commission is running 18 free webinars covering a wide range of topics that ensure there's something for everyone – get in quick to register! Topics include 'A hacker's view of data breaches', resolving privacy complaints, protecting children in the digital age, transforming privacy into a business advantage, and busting privacy myths about DNA.

Here are some top privacy tips:

• All personal information, whether 'sensitive' or not, requires legal protection. Personal information must be treated with care and respect.
• Access to personal information should be restricted to only those who need to see it. This protects the individual who is the subject of the information, as well as kaimahi and Te Pūkenga.
• Report all privacy breaches, big or small, to your business division privacy lead or Te Pūkenga national office Privacy Officer. A privacy lead needs to be informed about every privacy breach to correctly determine its seriousness and provide advice on the next steps. Under the Privacy Act 2020, we are required to report serious privacy breaches to the Privacy Commissioner, and we can be fined if we do not report them.

For those new to privacy, a privacy breach is when an organisation or individual intentionally or accidentally:

• Provides unauthorised or accidental access to someone's personal information.
• Discloses, alters, loses or destroys someone's personal information.

Privacy breaches include ākonga records being sent to the wrong person, or an email message being sent to a group of email addresses with all the email addresses visible to all recipients.

We've had a few privacy breaches in the last year due to cyber attacks. Some cyber security tips are:

• Create strong and unique passwords
• Don't open suspicious emails or download attachments if you are unsure of the source
• Before clicking on a link in an email, hover your mouse over the link to check that it comes from a reputable website
• Don't leave your devices open and unattended. All devices must be protected with passwords and/or PINs and locked when you step away.

Te Pūkenga National Privacy Policy and National Privacy Procedure are helpful documents that list kaimahi requirements. There may also be additional requirements applying to kaimahi at a business division, for example, data response plans). You can also visit the Privacy Commission's website, which has some excellent resources.

If you have questions or concerns about privacy at Te Pūkenga, please email Privacy@TePukenga.ac.nz. You can also contact the Privacy Officer, Kara Hiron, or your business division privacy lead. A complete list of all privacy leads can be found on Te Whare.

New disputes resolution scheme - Study complaints | Ngā amuamu tauira

International and domestic students dispute resolution schemes have been consolidated into one: Study complaints| Ngā amuamu tauira.

This free and independent service is available to all ākonga and education providers and offers a range of supports and resources to ensure ākonga mana, identity and wellbeing are prioritised during the dispute process.

Before accessing Study Complaints, ākonga must first raise their complaint with their business division. If the concern is not resolved by the business division, then they may take their complaint to Study Complaints.

The creation of Study complaints | Ngā amuamu tauira provides us with an opportunity to reassess our business division policies, practices and internal complaints processes. These should include information about Study complaints | Ngā amuamu tauira.

The Code requires that we ensure ākonga know how they can make a complaint and that the process is clear and transparent. All ākonga should know where to turn if they encounter issues they are not satisfied with. As well as ensuring ākonga know about our complaints processes, we need to tell them about external services they can turn to if needed.

If you have any questions or want guidance on your complaints process, please contact the Pastoral Care Code team.

Otago Polytechnic achieves Rainbow Tick reaccreditation

Otago Polytechnic recently achieved Rainbow Tick reaccreditation, recognising the team's commitment to valuing every individual and embracing the diversity of sexual and gender identities.

At a recent Leadership Council meeting, Otago's Executive Director, Dr Megan Pōtiki, proudly accepted the reaccreditation.

Megan emphasised that the achievement reflects the dedicated mahi of Otago kaimahi in fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all.

"Our kaimahi strive to welcome and include everyone, regardless of various backgrounds and identities," Megan says.

Obtaining Rainbow Tick certification required the Otago team to demonstrate their dedication to being a diverse, open, and inclusive employer. This involved implementing strategies and policies that explicitly promoted inclusion, ensuring inclusion was reported at all levels, and providing staff with educational opportunities. Additionally, they gathered feedback from kaimahi through an online survey.

Megan highlighted that Otago Polytechnic initially aimed to gain Rainbow Tick accreditation in 2017 to publicly showcase its inclusive environment and to attract and retain top talent, both kaimahi and ākonga.

“By continuing to pursue reaccreditation, we reaffirm our organisational values and commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive culture for everyone,” Megan explains.

The Rainbow Tick report's authors commended the team’s efforts in supporting Rainbow communities through various initiatives, including increasing training and education, providing services for Rainbow kaimahi and ākonga, organising Rainbow events and celebrations, and making sector-wide impacts.

Over the past year, the Otago team has implemented a range of inclusive strategies, such as offering Rainbow-specific training and education, providing services to support Rainbow kaimahi and ākonga, and organising Rainbow events and celebrations.

Through holding the Rainbow Tick, Otago Polytechnic has been able to offer opportunities to all Te Pūkenga kaimahi to learn about Rainbow Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. These facilitated workshops have been highly sought after, and important in helping to promote Rainbow inclusion across our network. Learn more about the workshops and register to attend on Te Whare.

“Rainbow” refers to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual/pansexual, transgender, takatāpui and intersex asexual (LGBTQIA+). The Rainbow flag demonstrates a commitment to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive workplace for all kaimahi, regardless of their gender and expression, sex characteristics, or sexual orientation. Read more about Rainbow Tick.

Share your feedback about the PBRF and the science, innovation and technology system

The Government has established two groups to review and advise on the university system, including the Performance Based Research Fund (PBRF), and strengthening the science, innovation and technology system.

Sir Peter Gluckman, an internationally recognised biomedical scientist who heads Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures at the University of Auckland, chairs both the Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) and the University Advisory Group (UAG), which have called for public submissions.

We will provide a 'whole of Te Pūkenga network' response to emphasise feedback that is broadly consistent across the network or to raise issues that impact the network as a whole.

The deadlines for public submissions are tight. SSAG feedback is due by May 17, and UAG feedback is due by May 31. Detailed timelines for each Group are below.

The advisory groups seek feedback on many questions, and submissions are limited to four pages. This requires us to be succinct in our feedback and focus on answering the questions most relevant to Te Pūkenga and the future of vocational education.

If you’d like to contribute to Te Pūkenga submissions, please review the questions and promptly send your feedback to Jamie Smiler, Pounuku Rangahau | Rangahau and Research Director.

Question sets:

• You can find the SSAG questions here
• You can find the UAG questions here.

You’re also welcome to register and provide feedback as a Te Pūkenga kaimahi or business division. If you do so, please share your submission with the appropriate key contact(s). It’s important that we incorporate the collective wisdom of our network of experts into our Te Pūkenga submission.