Latest news with #WITT
Scoop
2 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Taranaki Ready To Reimagine Tertiary Education As Region Prepares For Future
Taranaki leaders are stepping forward with a clear message: WITT will continue to play a central role in the future of education for Taranaki. "Let us be clear, WITT is not closing. It remains the largest tertiary education provider in Taranaki and a cornerstone of our region's future. The region stands behind WITT and our collective energy is now focused on supporting its next chapter," says Chair of the Taranaki Mayoral Forum, Stratford Mayor Neil Volzke. As the Government reviews the viability of institutes following the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga, regional leaders have come together to build the foundations for a better, fit for purpose tertiary model for the region. "We acknowledge that the Government embarked on this process to set up a more viable and future-fit vocational education system for Aotearoa. Now that we understand our place in that process, we are not waiting for government to bring a solution. We're creating the table for those solutions to be discussed and inviting government to join us there," Volzke adds. WITT continues to deliver for the region's people, from school leavers to adult learners, in critical disciplines such as trades, nursing, engineering, and business. Despite immense disruption over recent years, including COVID-19's impact on international education and significant national reforms, WITT has remained a highly valued foundation for regional learning and development. "We know it must be financially viable, and we believe that it can be. However this is not just about a balance sheet, it's about our workforce, our economy and our young people" says Volzke. As the region continues to evolve through energy transition, a growing food and fibre industry, and shifts in the digital, and health sectors, leaders see this as an opportunity to shape what education needs to look like to support new skills for a future-focused Taranaki. "WITT, like many tertiary providers across the country, is having to make tough decisions to change courses that are currently not financially or operationally viable. While this is understandably unsettling, it also presents an opportunity to reset and refocus," says Volzke. Sheree Long, Director of Workforce Development, Energy Resources Aotearoa, believes that vocational education is not optional, it's essential. "In regions like Taranaki, where our energy systems are adapting and evolving, and building future-focused capability, we need providers like WITT delivering skills that match real workforce demand." "As the education landscape shifts, this is an opportunity to ensure vocational training is aligned with where the jobs are going. Industry is ready to step in and partner to enable that future," Long adds. A voluntary education leadership group - formed after the dissolution of the government's Regional Skills Leadership Groups is actively leading this work. This group, led by local government and iwi, with representatives from the region's economic development agency, business sector leaders, education providers and social services, is not starting from scratch. It is building on years of strategic vision, readiness, and coordination in the region. Kelvin Wright, Chief Executive, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki says, "Tertiary education reform was identified as a key regional priority in the recently refreshed Tapuae Roa Action Plan, the region's economic development strategy, reflecting foresight that the system was shifting, and a localised response is needed." "That vision is now being put into action, as regional leaders coordinate efforts to position WITT for long-term sustainability and impact," Wright adds. The group will also actively engage with The Tertiary Education Commission, the Ministry of Education, and the Minister for Vocational Education to proactively present a plan and build together a strong education model that is regionally grounded, responsive, and delivers for learners and industry. The group is also calling on regional industry leaders, employers, funders, and civic partners to step in now to actively support WITT's transition, explore secondment opportunities, champion international education, and back the long-term vision. "This is not something WITT can or should do alone," says Stacey Hitchcock, GM Investment, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki. "We're calling on regional employers, funders, and industry leaders to step forward and help shape the next phase. WITT is our largest tertiary education provider, if we want it to reflect our future workforce and regional needs, we must help co-create that. The leadership group will be actively engaging with these stakeholders in the coming weeks, and we encourage them to be ready to contribute, collaborate, and lead alongside us," Hitchcock adds.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Plan to scrap Taranaki polytech's agriculture courses sparks backlash
A tutor at the course said it was great to be able to give people a pathway into the agriculture and farming industries. Photo: David Hancock A proposal to cut agriculture courses at a Taranaki polytech is being described by farmers as "lunacy". It comes as the dismantling of Te Pūkenga would see 10 polytechs revert to regional governance in January. While the others - including the Western Institute of Technology , or WITT, in Taranaki - would remain within Te Pūkenga, and have to prove their financial viability by mid 2026. Part of WITT's proposal involves scrapping its agriculture courses, which tutor Adrian Edser said was worrying as Taranaki was the heart of New Zealand's dairy and farming industry. "I was gutted, I was gobsmacked, as you can imagine it's a very difficult job at times but we're just passionate about being able to give people that pathway into an industry that really looked after us." Edser said the students did a mix of theory and practical education on a working farm in Egmont Village. It helped students move from school to work, with most securing jobs in the industry, he said. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin Edser did the course himself 30 years ago before starting his farming career. "Most of the farmers that I've talked to, most of the feedback is that it's lunacy, we have to be doing agriculture here," he said. He said he would be compiling feedback on the proposal to try and fight for the course to stay. "I've spoken to a lot of farmers and their feedback has been the same that we need to do be doing what we can, I'm on a crusade to save agriculture and the students." Meanwhile, Lawrence O'Halloran from the Tertiary Education Union said there was no need for the cuts. He said especially as WITT had already reduced its deficit from a forecast $3.6 million to $2.6m. "We don't believe that there is a need to make these cuts, in particular in terms of agriculture. "Taranaki with the tagline like no other, that's how the region markets itself and rightly so, it is like no other especially in terms of agriculture, particularly dairy. "My understanding is 9.5 percent of New Zealand's dairy herd is located in Taranaki, so to have a polytech in Taranaki with no agriculture course, no teaching of agriculture, that is Taranaki like no other in a very bad way." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Western Institute of Technology's potential closure stuns Taranaki students
Food and beverage students Leticia Wilson, Olivia Hansen and Sapphire Katene are fans of WITT. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin Students at Taranaki's largest tertiary education provider are stunned it is threatened with closure. As the government unwinds Te Pūkenga, the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki - known as WITT - has been given a year to shape-up or face merger or even closure. It is one of four polytechs given until mid-2026 to prove its financial viability or face the consequences . Food and beverage student Olivia Hansen said closing WITT would be short-sighted. "Like for me, I don't want to go to university, so having WITT here is actually really good and I also think it's good for other people if they don't want to go to uni. "They can stay at home and still study things that they want to. Yeah, I think it's good that we have it and it would [be] sad to see it get shut down." Foundation skills student Present Wade said school wasn't really for him and he was enjoying WITT. He thought it would be a pity if the institute ever closed. "Yeah definitely, because I have plans to get all my qualifications and stuff here. I'd like to become an electrician." Foundation skills students Preston Wade, centre left, and Zane Te Awhe, centre right, and their mates, say Witt has revived their interest in learning. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin Classmate Zane Te Awhe said WITT got his education back on track. "I'd feel pretty gutted because I don't have anything after this and I'll probably sit in my room because that's all I did before I came here. "I didn't do anything. I didn't go to school. I didn't show up, and this place has revived my interest in education, for learning stuff. "So yeah, if it were to shut down I'd be kind of devastated." Nepalese student Dispana Thapa was studying for a degree in applied business management. "The overall experience is pretty good. The education of our country ... it's kind of practical over here [by comparison] and I love that it's peaceful and the countryside, so that's why WITT was the right choice for me." Business management student Dispana Thapa, right foreground, and her Nepalese classmates are enjoying their time at WITT. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin She said it would be sad if the polytech was unavailable in the future. The dismantling of Te Pūkenga would initially see 10 polytechs revert to regional governance in January. The others - including WITT - would remain within Te Pūkenga, with government support to strengthen their position ahead of decisions on their futures by mid-2026. Operations lead at WITT Nicola Conley, who said she didn't expect to be transferring to autonomous control in January, was realistic about where the institute found itself. "We're not ready to be in that list of 10 at the moment, but yesterday's announcement does give us an opportunity and a little more time to work towards viability. "We're pulling out all measures to look for opportunities to potentially lease out part of our buildings and attract more students, so we can also end up being in that list." Operations lead Nicola Conley hopes WITT will regain autonomous status later next year. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin Conley said WITT, which had more than 1000 full-time equivalent students, had already reduced its deficit from a forecast $3.6 million to $2.6 million. The institute was also going through a restructure designed to make even more savings - at the cost of about 30 positions. Conley said the announcement would not affect day-to-day teaching and operations. "We are working with staff and stakeholders and doing all we can to ensure WITT survives as a vital vocational education provider for Taranaki. We've been here for over 50 years, and we intend to continue." Taranaki Chamber of Commerce chief executive Arun Chaudhari said the polytech was a vital cog in the region's economy and its closure was unthinkable. "It would obviously cut off that supply of labour, but we're going down a really bad spiral of doom almost for WITT. "We need to make sure the government realises this and corrects itself on investment in the regions." Chaudhari said rather than spending $200 million to give the oil and gas sector a minor bump, the government would have been better to invest that money in education in Taranaki. You'd get no argument from beauty therapy student Hannah Smith. "I've been here for coming on four years. I know this place like the back of my hand. It's like a second home. "I can't afford university like a lot of people can't and WITT gives me more opportunities than if I did go to university and put myself in even more debt than I am in now." Beauty therapy student Hannah Smith would be heart broken if WITT were to close. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin WITT's demise would almost be personal for her. "I'd be quite heartbroken because this is an amazing campus and seeing it used for something else would be such a waste." Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds said the government was committed to maintaining high-quality vocational education in Taranaki. WITT remained part of the vocational education network, and the government was focused on supporting it to find a model that ensured vocational education and training provision in Taranaki was viable and sustainable for the long term "No decisions have been made, and we intend to have close engagement with local leadership, staff, and stakeholders to find a model that works for Taranaki." Simmonds said the government was rebuilding a vocational education system that delivered - for students, for employers, and for the future of New Zealand. "That means ensuring regions like Taranaki continue to have access to vocational education and training that supports strong communities and economic growth." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
CTV News
20-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
New group, Women in Trades and Technology, launches in Timmins
The Timmins Chamber of Commerce served as a backdrop for the launch of a new group called Women in Trades and Tech Timmins on Thursday. A general meeting of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce served as a backdrop for the launch of a new group called Women in Trades and Tech Timmins -- or WITT, for short. WITT co-chair Ashley Richards-Gagnon said many women are working in trade- and tech-related fields in the community, but most of them are behind a desk. Women in trades Women in Trades and Technology Timmins (WITT) is open to all individuals working in trades and technology. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News) 'Less than five per cent of the community are women in the trades, which is still very low,' said Richards-Gagnon. 'It would be nice to see more women get hands-on work.' WITT's mission is to foster an inclusive and supportive network for women working in trades and technology across all sectors. Men are encouraged to join the group as allies. Phil Archambault, owner of Fountain Tire, is one of WITT's founding sponsors. 'Women have a lot of great skill sets that are valuable to either mechanical work or tech work, so we feel it's important to explore that opportunity and maybe it's fit for them,' said Archambault. His daughter, Lindsay Walker, is learning a variety of jobs at the family-owned business, including tire changeovers. 'Of course, I was intimidated by it,' said Walker. 'I mean, this is a shop full of men who know what they're doing, and have known for years, right, but I felt like I almost needed to do this to prove to myself that, you know, that I could and kind of give inspiration to other women.' Women trades2 Women in Trades and Technology Timmins (WITT) is open to all individuals working in trades and technology. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News) Richards-Gagnon said one of the biggest obstacles to overcome is education. Starts with education 'It all starts from education: education at home and from the guidance counsellors,' she said. 'A lot of young students, they don't know the different opportunities there are in the construction industry. And if you don't grow up in that environment, it's hard to know about it. I feel that high schools … really pushed university. Even though going to college or going into the trades directly is a really good option.' Membership to WITT is set at $25 to ensure accessibility and to remove barriers. It's open to all individuals working in trades and technology, from welders and electricians to cooks and greenhouse technicians. If you work with your hands, solve problems and build systems, Richards-Gagnon said you belong.
Scoop
04-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Build A Bridge Students In The Dog House For A Job Well Done
A group of Taranaki teenagers are learning that construction work isn't a dog's life – it's about making life better for the dogs. The seven high school students in the Build a Bridge training partnership of NPDC, WITT and the building industry have helped create a safer, cleaner and more comfortable isolation area for new arrivals at the NPDC Pound. The original 1990 building at the pound on Rifle Range Road is being refitted with new holding pens with outdoor runs and wooden kennels where new dogs can be held safely for processing and to limit the spread of contagious diseases like parvovirus. After that they are moved to the main pound building where they be held until their owners claim them or they are found new homes. 'The old pound building, built in 1990, is now a much better habitat for the dogs and fully in line with animal welfare standards, with help from the Build a Bridge team who designed and built the kennels from scratch. Our rangatahi are getting a career step-up with on-the-job training while ensuring the work is done to the highest standard and keeping the costs down for ratepayers,' said NPDC Manager Consents and Regulatory Damien Morresey. NZIHT School of Engineering, Energy and Infrastructure Programme Manager Jan Kivell said Build a Bridge continues to be a popular and enjoyable course in its fifth year. 'We are very lucky to have an extremely experienced tutor who makes the course interesting and fun, along with fantastic support from NPDC staff . This year we have also had the pleasure of working with Southcoast Construction for the first time. WITT is proud to be a part of a course that provides students with practical skills for the construction and infrastructure industries,' said Mrs Kivell. This year the Build a Bridge students are also building ramps and handrails for the Hauranga headland swing bridge near Ōākura and replacing the jetty at Lake Rotomanu. Fast Facts: The NPDC Pound upgrade includes new drainage, insulation and improvements to the processing and exercise areas in line with Ministry for Primary Industry standards. Build a Bridge is a partnership of NPDC, NZIHT School of Engineering, Energy and Infrastructure at WITT, Fulton Hogan, Whitaker Civil Engineering, Downer Group, Southcoast Construction, and WSP. Eight students took part in the first Build a Bridge project in 2021, building a new Camden Street footbridge over the Huatoki River. In recent years students have replaced footbridges on the Mangati Walkway in Bell Block, the Waimea Stream Reserve and Pukekura Park in New Plymouth.
