Hon Hekia Parata
Minister of Education

9 May 2016

First of five new learning support hubs opens

Education Minister Hekia Parata today announced the opening of the first of five new learning support hubs to help 16- to 18-year-old Māori achieve NCEA Level 2.

The hubs to be run by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Kaikohe, Mangere, Hamilton, Kawerau and Gisborne will provide a mix of activities designed to assist young people with their studies.

“We want the hubs to be fun and exciting places where young people can catch up or get ahead, and sharpen the tools and skills they need to attain NCEA Level 2” says Ms Parata. “Support will be tailored to the circumstances of each individual.”

Ms Parata says the hubs will connect Māori parents and whānau with their children’s learning. “It is really important for whānau to go along with their kids. The hubs will also offer activities for younger siblings at primary school and in early learning, and will give parents and whānau the tools and confidence to help their children at all ages.”

Ms Parata says the hubs are not just for those still at school. “In fact we specifically want to reach our young people who have left school without achieving NCEA Level 2. The hubs offer those young people a chance to get back into education, with help and support.”

The first hub opened at Hamilton today. Four of the five hubs will operate from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa campuses and the Kawerau hub will operate from Tarawera High School.

The hubs will usually run for one evening each week, and will feature other events such as marae stays. Further hubs are planned for Hawkes Bay, Manawatu/Whanganui, and the South Island.

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