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Northland responds to Focus Area Brief: Tai Tokerau Northland

Northland responds to Focus Area Brief: Tai Tokerau Northland

Last updated 27 November 2018
Last updated 27 November 2018

The TEC has developed several focus area briefs as part of our Investment Toolkit for the 2019 Investment Round, to support tertiary education organisations (TEOs). Focus Area Briefs identify goals for key strategic areas, and outline how we will work with TEOs to achieve those goals. The briefs provide detail about what we want to invest in, and what we consider when we make decisions about this investment.

This brief supports our Ōritetanga Learner Success programme to lead TEC's work in several important areas, particularly Māori and Pasifika achievement, and in areas of economic and social deprivation e.g. Northland. Tai Tokerau Northland (PDF 617 KB) has been identified as a priority region.

We are particularly encouraged by the regional response to the Tai Tokerau Northland Focus Area Brief – the development of the Tai Tokerau Regional Investment Plan (TRIP) – He Whenua.

This is a partnership developed between Northland tertiary organisations, industry bodies, iwi, Pasifika and local government. The plan represents the collective voice of Te Tai Tokerau as it responds to the challenges faced by learners and tertiary organisations in the region.

Widespread regional engagement and consultation occurred to inform the TRIP. The result is a comprehensive regional tertiary education plan and an ambitious work programme with a clear kaupapa. The TRIP acts as an anchor for wider Tai Tokerau tertiary education and careers-related work in the region. It also acts as a key enabler to achieve educational success for people in Tai Tokerau – particularly for Māori.

The plan focuses on He Whenua for the 2019 investment year – agriculture, forestry, fishing and environment focused education, and is designed as an iterative, ongoing process. Other areas of focus for Te Tai Tokerau will be developed over the coming years. This includes tourism, construction and infrastructure, and manufacturing and technology. The role of Māori is evident in the plan, and recognises that Māori need to be in the discussions if the investment approach in the North is to have collective impact and be regionally relevant.

This TRIP process will set a framework for investment in He Whenua delivery in Te Tai Tokerau. It may also set the framework for other regions throughout the country, to develop a regional planning approach to tertiary education. 

We look forward our continued work to support the region to achieve its tertiary education goals. For more information on the TRIP or TEC’s work in Tai Tokerau, please contact our Sector HelpDesk or on 0800 601 301.