Students, Businesses to Benefit From Paihia Resort College

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24 November 2015
Queenstown Resort College and NZ Māori Tourism

Students And Tourism Businesses to Benefit From New Resort College in Paihia

Paihia has been chosen as the location of QRC’s Tai Tokerau Resort College to open in early 2016, said QRC Chief Executive Charlie Phillips today.

“Working with NZ Māori Tourism on a pathway for students to enter into the tourism industry, we are excited to announce the details of the College and the first intake of students in early 2016. With the support of local industry, schools, and a partnership with Shanghai CRED we will have four intakes of 25 students each year, made up of local and international students.

“All students will spend six months at the College before being placed in a paid internship with a tourism business for nine months. They will then return to the College for their final six months of study at management level before graduation.

“One of the benefits of QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College is the pastoral care that is offered to all students by living in a hall of residence, with a dedicated residence manager. This provides a built in community that successfully studies and works together,” says Mr Phillips.

NZ Māori Tourism Chief Executive Pania Tyson-Nathan says the College will provide much needed skilled staff to cater to the growing number of tourism businesses in both Northland and New Zealand.

“Northland has strong aspirations for their tourism sector and this has been obvious through the support the College has received from Northlanders, especially our local rangatahi who are full of enthusiasm for the opportunity to study and work here.

“Increasingly visitors to New Zealand are after authentic cultural experiences and Northland is well placed to offer this.

“Rangatahi have grown up with the local stories, and their manaakitanga is second nature. QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College will accentuate their talents, skills and knowledge to provide a talented and passionate tourism workforce.

“There are a number of fantastic tourism experiences in Northland, and that is only going to grow as investment in regional infrastructure increases. With new hotels being built, roads being upgraded, possible airport expansions, and word of Northland getting out, visitor numbers will increase and QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College will provide the skilled graduates to help manage that influx,” says Mrs Tyson-Nathan.

Shane Lloydd from the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokianga and Footprints Waipoua says he’s looking forward to working with students and graduates from the College.

“It provides a choice for our young people to learn professional hospitality skills in Northland, and an excellent opportunity to employ students and graduates in local businesses.

ENDS
Background Q&A

Why is the College in Paihia. Northland?

There are many opportunities in both Paihia and Northland for students to immerse themselves in, and work in, the tourism industry. The interest and support from local schools, teachers and industry has been immense. Northland is adjacent to the biggest domestic market in New Zealand (Auckland) and the gateway of 75% of international tourists to the country.

Northland has also been identified as a priority region as part of the Government’s Regional Growth Programme.

What qualifications will the College offer, and what entry level qualifications do students require?

The students at the College will be working towards a Diploma in Hospitality Management or Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management. The students will be required to have 48 credits at NCEA Level 2 and 10 credits in numeracy and literacy level 1 or higher.

What, if any government funding is being used for the college?

QRC applied to the Tertiary Education Commission for EFTS (Equivalent Full Time Students) funding. This was approved for [number] of EFTS. This ensures the students at the college can apply for Student Loans and/or Student Allowances. This is the only government funding going into the college.

Who is funding the College?

QRC is funding the College, but has formed a partnership with Shanghai CRED for an initial and ongoing supply of Chinese students for QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College. This partnership is mutually beneficial and provides an opportunity for New Zealand tourism students to learn more about Chinese visitors, and Chinese students to learn about New Zealand and Māori culture by living, studying and working here together.

How many students will the college admit each year?

There is a maximum of 25 students each intake. There are four intakes each year (a maximum of 100 new students each year, per qualification).

What is the schedule for students?

The students spend six months at the college, in class for 25-30 hours per week. They then spend nine months of their training in placements throughout Northland’s tourism industry, where they are paid for their work. The students then return to the college for a further six months of study at management level. QRC is looking to replicate its high level of successful outcomes it currently experiences at its Queenstown campus.

What living facilities are available for the students?

Students will have full residential living as part of their fees at the college. This is critical to the students’ success. A hall of residence manager will be on site at all times. Living on-site throughout their training will enable students to build a community that successfully studies and works together.

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