A new initiative to strengthen training and employment pathways for Māori and Pasifika in Whanganui, offers free study for 16-40 year olds.
Heringa mahi kai, He ringa tū will provide young people in certificate programmes strong tikanga support, study help, transport assistance, and whānau support.
Chair of Te Puna Mātauranga o Whanganui and Patron of He ringa mahi kai, He ringa tū, John Maihi said the impact and influence this training will have on learners and whānau is significant.
“Known as He ringa mahi kai, He ringa tū (the work and sweat by my own hands), tauira will need to show commitment and put their hearts and minds into their learning. He ringa mahi kai, He ringa tū connects Māori and Pasifika with training that results in a pathway to careers, including growth of Māori and Pasfika leadership, management and entrepreneurial capability.”
Project Coordinator Māori Pasifika Trade Training Mel Te Patu of Te Atihaunui a Paparangi, Taranaki, Ngati Rangi, Ngati Apa, Nga Wairiki, has been visiting māori and pasifika groups to spread the word about the opportunities. “We want to encourage people to talk with us about what’s possible. Interested people can contact me on 0220688937 or email M.TePatu@ucol.ac.nz.”
To bring the training initiative to Whanganui, Te Puna Mātauranga o Whanganui, Whanganui District Council, Pasifika Vision Forum Trust, and UCOL formed a group to successfully bid for government funding. The common vision of the group is to support priority tauira into new opportunities.
This collaboration of iwi, pasifika, education leaders, local government and business is a goal in Whanganui’s Leading Edge vison, which supports the growth in skills, training and employment opportunities for Whanganui people.
Matipo Developments Furthering Their Vision through Trade Training
Matipo Developments are still working hard to fulfil Craig Rippon’s vision for the people of Castlecliff who live with challenged family situations and are making choices to change through education and training because they see it as a gateway to employment.
The way they are setting up training, is by approaching the training centres in Whanganui who provide the NZQA qualifications to bring about top training for their people. Matipo Developments have been successful in setting up Numeracy and literacy via YMCA, and Horticulture training via Wai Ora christian Community Trust. Over the last two and a half years and a lot of extra help to achieve all this has come through the help and assistance of Rotary Club.
The latest development was to set up Carpentry training and Mechanical training. UCOL was approached by the Chairperson and other Trust Board members to see if they would be interested. We the Board of Matipo Trust are excited that UCOL did agree and it has taken six months to set up and to get started with 15 students with ages ranging from 16 years to 40 enrolled thus far. The carpentry course is new and commenced 13 June 2016.