Workforce Development Council Toitū te Waiora has been engaging with key partners in Te Tai Tokerau to establish a vocational centre of excellence in Hauora Māori/ Rural Health.

The mahi is part of a collaborative project working group with local Iwi, health, education, and social services provider Tai Timu Tai Pari, the Regional Skills Leadership Group, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Northland District Health Board, primary health organisation Mahitahi and Te Pūkenga. Chaired by Toa Favena from Te Pūkenga, this working group has been set up to support the RoVE agenda, including planning for the future workforce needs of Te Tai Tokerau.

The planned centre of excellence is about keeping the potential pipeline closer to home, where ākonga can use their existing support systems and tap into local employment opportunities. “Too many people leave Te Tai Tokerau to train and never come back, we want to change that,” said Mr Favena.

Rather than a ‘bricks and mortar’ centre, this kaupapa would involve a mix of practical/clinical skills and theory which can either be learned on the job or in a clinical space such as Kaitaia Hospital or in a General Practice.  Similar to an apprenticeship model, these standards would be broken down into smaller achievable units.  Pathways would be clearly defined, enabling the ākonga to dip in and out of study while working towards a qualification. Collaboration as a working group will enable better resourcing, more efficient skills and knowledge sharing, and a joined-up system.

Discussions with Tai Timu Tai Pari have progressed well, and Toitū te Waiora is partnering to look at workforce pathways for Māori providers to be part of the collective. Ngāti Hine is leading this mahi, and those involved are in the process of drafting up an MOU on how to best work together – watch this space!