Fijian Ministerial Delegation Visits Rotorua Campus

A Ministerial delegation from Fiji was hosted at Toi Ohomai to discuss indigenous education opportunities as well as potential educational partnerships. 
 
The Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Ifereimi Vasu, is currently in New Zealand with a delegation from iTaukei Institutions. The purpose of the trip was around strengthening economic opportunities through better utilisation of resources and building local capability, with the delegation visiting various cities throughout the country.

As part of this, the delegation visited the Toi Ohomai Rotorua campus to discuss our approach to placing ākonga are at the centre of vocational education and training and what learnings can be shared from the success of ākonga Māori and Pacific.

Toi Ohomai Regional Director Huia Haeata hosted the delegation and said it was great to be able to welcome them on campus with a pōhiri followed by a hui about different strategies and practices that support equitable outcomes.

“Aotearoa is often seen as world leaders in indigenous education models and approaches. It was great to be able to discuss the journey we have been on with Minister Vasu and his delegation. We also valued the opportunity to hear about their context and the kaupapa of importance to them with respect to the growth and prosperity of their communities.

“We know that in terms of strengthening the pathway from education to employment, we need to ensure that the vocation education system is responsive to the needs and aspirations of Tiriti partners, industry and communities alike. Our commitment to supporting ākonga Māori success is a key part of this and while we have some way to go, we are happy to share our learnings with other indigenous peoples,” Huia said. 

“Relationships like this are important from the perspective of understanding how we may be able to work collaboratively on achieving our respective educational aspirations.”   

Ministry of iTaukei Affairs Permanent Secretary Pita Tagicakirewa said it was his second time visiting the Mokoia campus, after a previous visit to Waiariki Institute of Technology in 2006. 

He said it was humbling to be welcomed with a pōhiri and that the delegation was focused on what learnings they could take back to Fiji, especially around educational pathways. 

“We want to look at how we can also upskill our people and how we can build an indigenous economy.”

He said it was important for them to look at ways they can not only provide educational pathways for high school leavers, but also how they can upskill and retain their workforce rather than losing employees to New Zealand or Australia.