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The New Zealand Qualifications Authority recognises that Māori private training establishments (PTEs) and wananga are a
dynamic force within the tertiary sector in Aotearoa. It's hoped that Rongopai will go a small way towards recognising some of
those achievements.
Every two months, Rongopai will feature a story on a successful Māori PTE or wananga. For this inaugural issue, we've
chosen Pounamu Training Systems based in Auckland. The whanau-based company offers Māori performing arts students
opportunities in education and employment. Many of its graduates have gone on to earn a living in tourism or as cultural
ambassadors overseas.
Rongopai will also keep you up-to-date with the work of the Māori Provider Development and Support team. The
Qualifications Authority established the Support team in October 2000 in response to a call from Māori providers for
developmental assistance. The primary focus of the team is to help Māori providers review and implement their quality
management systems.
The appointment of seven Regional Facilitators to work with Māori training establishments out in the regions has been well
received. PTEs have appreciated working with people who have a wealth of experience in their local communities. They also like
the fact that the service is available free of charge, and that Regional Facilitators can provide "one-on-one" assistance.
One interesting outcome of the team's establishment is that the number of self-identified Māori PTEs has risen from 163 to
174 over the last six months. If you want to know more about your local Regional Facilitator or how to contact them, details
are on the back page.
In future editions of Rongopai, the Regional Facilitators will write regular up-dates on the work they're doing. There will
also be a regular column from the Association of Māori Providers of Training Education and Employment (AMPTEE).
We hope you enjoy the panui.
Whaia kia tata,
whakamaua kia tina
Hui e! Taiki e!
Carl Ross
General Manager
Māori Provider Development and Support
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