23 February 2018
Competenz has signed an historic agreement with Waikato-Tainui as the iwi looks to increase the career opportunities of its people.
Eleven of New Zealand’s industry training organisations signed agreements, or kawenata, in a ceremony at the Waikato Endowed College in Hopuhopu on Wednesday.
Waikato-Tainui CEO Donna Flavell says the agreements are designed to give iwi members options to arm themselves with the skills they require to stand proudly as future parents and leaders.
"I am excited by the possibilities ahead. This is untested ground for these ITOs, but they have taken a bold step and the signals that they have sent to the market today will have far reaching and positive consequences for our people and our region,” Donna said.
"We cannot sit around waiting for the government – we have to invest in our people's collective futures and this is a proactive way to make that happen.
“For our people this is also about earning while they are actively engaged in learning through mechanisms like apprenticeships.
"Given the large number of ITOs we have here today, we will be able to gather data that is relevant and up-to-date which is critical because it allows us to adapt and refine our approach to the careers market.
"We are absolutely committed to these relationships and we will take an active role in maintaining them in a way that is beneficial to Waikato-Tainui.”
Competenz Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford said signing the kawenata was a commitment to work with Waikato-Tainui on its 30-year plan.
“This has been two years in the making and I am really excited to be part of this partnership.
“Waikato-Tainui is an iwi with 68 marae and 70,000 registered members, and they are focused on education and employment outcomes for their people.
“I am looking forward to growing our relationship with Waikato-Tainui and supporting their members on their life-long learning journey, gaining qualifications and setting themselves up for successful careers in our industries.”
Read more
- Waikato-Tainui signs with ITOs to upskill iwi members (Waikato Times)
- Waikato-Tainui creates new industry training initiative (Māori TV)
