6 March 2019

Hui set to deliver a wake-up call to government over rushed vocational reform process

An urgent hui has been called by the ITO group, Te Rautaki Whakaroopuu Maaori. This hui is to discuss the proposed Reform of Vocational Education, in the absence of a sufficient consultation opportunity provided by government.

In spite of the short timeframe before submissions close on 27 March, this move will ensure a collective iwi voice is heard and represented in consultation, and recommendations will be made to government.

“The Maaori economy is worth $56 billion to New Zealand GDP, and this contribution is set to grow over coming years,” says Sam Napia, an industry training organisation chair.

“This reform proposal, at first view, appears to be poorly thought through, and lacking an evidential basis. The lack of a proper consultation period allowing Maaori voices to be heard in full has the appearance of neglect at best and a cynical tactic at worst.”

“No evidence has been presented showing how this rushed overhaul would benefit Maaori – who, through demographic trends, are firmly in the driver’s seat in terms of influencing enrolments into the tertiary sector, as well as workforce supply and demand,“ says Napia.

An educated Maaori workforce enjoys higher living standards, and makes a greater contribution to Maaori wellbeing – all of which is in line with the government’s stated commitment to the Living Standards Framework. If you get it right for Maaori you get it right for New Zealand.

It is essential for iwi to come together, unhindered by other agendas which may drown out the Maaori view in this important matter.

The invitation-only hui will take place at the Waikato-Tainui Research and Development College in Ngaruawahia on Thursday, 14 March 2019.

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