“Start Up” event for Māori and Pacific Trades Training at Ara | Te Pūkenga

Taking on challenges took on a whole new spin when Ara’s Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) ākonga (students) got together for the first time this year.

The relays, three-legged sprints and egg and spoon races brought laughter and new connections, but they were also there to find out more about support available under the MPTT programme and who to turn to for help along their study journey.

Managed through the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), MPTT funding provides fees-free tertiary places for Māori and Pacific learners aged between 16 and 40 in pre-trades or pathway training.

The purpose is to increase access to training, through the provision of culturally responsive teaching, learning and support services - the goal being to enable these students to work towards developing skills for sustainable employment and address the underrepresentation of Māori and Pasifika in skilled trades positions.

_{The new ākonga making connections at the Start Up event at Te Puna Wānaka were part of a strong tradition.}

MPTT arose out of the He Toki ki te Rika initiative led by Ngāi Tahu (specifically Te Tapuwae o Rehua) in partnership with Ara (then CPIT) to increase the skilled workforce following the Canterbury earthquakes. Inspiration had been taken from the Māori Trades Training movement dating back to the 1960s which saw young Māori men and women move from regions around the country to enter vocational education in several main centres.

Hūmarie Chick, Kaupapa Māori Lead, Ākonga Journey and Experience said that He Toki recognised opportunities for transformation required better design for Māori learners – ensuring that they remain secure in their identity and future focussed while gaining the tools and skills for success.

“From the start of their journey it’s important an environment is created where they and their culture are genuinely valued. This sense of belonging can build resilience and contribute towards being a positive example for others in their whānau,” Chick said.

Events like Start Up are key to the way Ara embraces these learners.

Around 30 MPTT ākonga from several departments across Ara’s City and trades campuses gathered for the year’s first wananga. A range of information was shared from how to access a free driver’s licence test to the learner support fund available to them.

Te Kaitaunaki (Student Advisor) Erana Taiaroa said bringing together trades students with those from other departments had been a success. “The interactions with the ākonga have been great and it’s helped us elevate all aspects of student life through whanaungatanga,” she said.

“It’s all about breaking down barriers and ensuring ākonga get to know the kaimahi they can reach out to for any need,” Taiaroa said. “Accessing the support that’s available makes a massive difference because financial burden is one of the key issues that Māori and Pacific learners have. If we can remove some of the obstacles, it makes their journey towards success easier,” she said.

New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gas Fitting and Drain Laying student Patrick Vena enjoyed connecting with fellow ākonga and said the learner support he found out about was a game changer for his future.

“It’s so good to know more about what is available because when you study it’s hard to work on top of that and also get yourself set up with tools for your future work at the same time,” he said.

For Kirianna Te Amo, who is studying Pre Health, the day was largely about culture and connection.

“It’s great to get to know people on trades training and strengthen our bonds to Māori and Pacific culture here at Ara,” she said.

Start Up looks to be the start of something good for this latest cohort to join the MPTT tradition.