Proposal taken to staff
TE Pukenga is seeking feedback from more than 13,000 staff on the proposed leadership structure of New Zealand’s largest tertiary provider.
A threeweek engagement period on the proposal began yesterday, a key step in the polytechnic megamerger.
Otago Polytechnic chief executive Dr Megan Gibbons said the move was welcome as it provided a sense of the direction of the organisation.
‘‘We’re focused on helping our people to engage with the proposal and provide feedback on the direction the organisation is heading.
‘‘It is important to note that many people in our organisation have been working directly with others within Te Pukenga since it was established.’’
Te Pukenga acting chief executive Peter Winder said staff were pivotal to navigating changes.
‘‘We must listen to their voices.’’
The proposal organises Te Pukenga around the seven vocational pathways: manufacturing, engineering and logistics; people, food and fibre; services; creative, cultural, recreation and technology; community, health, education and social services; construction and infrastructure; and matauranga Maori.
It also divides the country into four regions with the intention of responding to local need.
The proposed South region spans the West Coast, Canterbury, Otago and Southland.
‘‘Regions will be charged with giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our charter obligations at management, operational and delivery levels, reflecting Tiriti partnerships between Te Pukenga council and iwi and hapu,’’ Mr Winder said.
The actions set out in the proposal were a foundation.
‘‘Subsequent steps will complete the transition as we bring together the 24 organisations that make up Te Pukenga.’’
The current proposal did not affect staff in former institutes of technology and polytechnics, business divisions of Te Pukenga workbased learning or transitional industry training organisations, including leadership teams.
In the next three weeks he would be conducting facetoface visits across the Te Pukenga network.
Engagement would also take place with Treaty partners, students, employers, industry, communities and government.