infonews.co.nz
INDEX
NEWS

New Māori training initiative will strengthen trades resources for Canterbury

Monday 20 June 2011, 10:44AM

By CPIT

761 views

CHRISTCHURCH

A new era of Māori Trade Training is starting in Ōtautahi.

Thanks to funding from Te Puni Kōkiri, 200 Māori students will be placed into trade training positions at CPIT before the end of the year.

The training programme is reminiscent of the late 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s when popular Māori trade training initiatives helped to grow Christchurch at that time. In fact, graduates from those older programmes are returning to mentor and encourage the new entrants.

Patron and Kaiwhakahaere for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Mark Solomon wants all local Māori to get involved and says the course is a great way for Māori to take on an important role in the Christchurch rebuild.

“I believe trade training certificates are as valuable now as they were in the 60s. A young person who receives their trade qualifications today can go on to be an industry leader and that’s what we want to see. This programme is aspirational. The experience that our young people are going to gather in rebuilding Christchurch is priceless. If they can gain a trade training qualification in the next few years and gain experience as part of the Christchurch rebuild programme then I expect they will be able to work anywhere.”

The trade training initiative is a partnership between Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Te Tapuae o Rehua, CPIT and the BETA workgroup, with support from Ngāi Tahu Property.

The trade training places are available to all local Māori.

The BETA workgroup will work closely with trade organisations to determine the skills needed in the post-quake environment.

CPIT will facilitate the training and is offering fee support. The programme will build on the values and spirit of the proud history of Māori Trade Training in Ōtautahi. However, there will be a number of differences including a focus on local recruitment so hostel accommodation will not be provided, as it was in the 50s to those Māori coming from further afield.

“CPIT is committed to the delivery of trade training pathways that support industry and develop employment opportunities for Māori in Canterbury,” says CPIT Kaiārahi Hana O’Regan.

The training is available at a number of different levels (novice, semi-skilled, skilled and re-training) and the ex-Māori trade trainees will support course participants.

All Māori in Christchurch are encouraged to consider if there is anyone in their whānau or network who might be interested in this opportunity and encourage them to contact CPIT’s Centre of Māori and Pasifika Achievement on 0800 24 24 76.

Media questions to Kahu Te Whaiti on 021 443 895 or kahu.tewhaiti@ngaitahu.iwi.nz