Launch of NMIT Kioramai Programme

Launch of Only Polytechnic Provider of Prime Minister’s Kiaoramai Programme

The KiaOraMai programme is to be launched at the NMIT Rata Room to over 60 invited Nelson and Marlborough business guests on Tuesday 9th February.

NMIT, the largest tertiary education provider in the top of the South Island, is one of the first training organisations chosen to offer a specialised training programme in front line service skills, the KiaOraMai programme. Launched by the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key late last year, KiaOraMai is a flexible programme designed for entry-level employees working across the range of service industries, including hospitality, accommodation, travel and transport, tourism events and activities, retail, hairdressing, beauty and spa. The programme has been developed with industry input and covers a broad range of skills such as customer service, personal presentation, managing customer complaints, knowledge of New Zealand tourism features, activities and events.

KiaOraMai is a cross-industry initiative,with the programme having been developed with funding from the Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) and SITA, the Services Industries Training Alliance (which includes ATTTO, HSI, HITO, Retail Institute, Skills Active, and Tranzqual).

The initiative aims to ensure that people working in the service sector consistently deliver a unique, memorable visitor experience, boosting the economic return New Zealand gets from major events like the Rugby World Cup.

NMIT Chief Executive Tony Gray says since the announcement that they were the only polytechnic in New Zealand to have been selected to provide the training, there has been significant interest from top of the south employers. Air New Zealand Training School is the other provider chosen by a selection panel from the Industry Training Organisations for the service industries.

“Our business community has already shown they’re keen to find out more and get on board this government sponsored initiative. Following the Nelson launch next week, we are confident of the support and enrolments for the programme, from the Nelson and Marlborough community who are very aware of the importance of the retail, tourism and hospitality base to our economy; initial discussions have shown they’re right behind the programme.”

Tourism Industry Association Chief Executive Tim Cossar is one of the speakers at the Nelson launch. He says the programme meets the industry’s call for a single entry-level standard for employees working directly with visitors and customers in the service sector.

“It features a mix of off and on-the-job training and is linked to unit standards on the National Qualifications Framework, offering employees a career path and a starting place for further training. In the top of the south, where tourism is such a key industry we know that this programme will lead towards a consistent quality visitor experience, which can only benefit tourism.”

Tony Gray says the aim is for Nelson to be one of the first adopters of the new programme and to lead the country in service excellence.

“We believe the quality of our hospitality and tourism training has already been proven both nationally and against international standards, so we are well-placed to deliver this programme to the highest professional standards.”

“The launch of this programme will explain the background and details to local businesses and organisations and we expect a very positive uptake in terms of enrolments to follow. It’s an exciting project to be involved with and one that we are proud to be able to deliver to our communities.” says Tony Gray.

Speakers who will address the attendees include:

• Tim Cossar, Chief Executive Tourism Industry Association (TIA)

• Aldo Miccio, Councillor, Nelson City Council

• Clare Davies, Managing Director, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Resort

• Elizabeth Valentine, Chief Executive Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO)

• Robbie Dyer, Training Adviser, Retail Institute and the Nelson Centre of Service Excellence

ENDS

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