Growing training opportunities for youth

Increasing training opportunities and career pathways for Bay of Plenty youth is one objective of a new post-secondary education leadership group.

The Tertiary Intentions Strategy (TIS) implementation leadership group is an independent, regionally-owned group to guide tertiary education in the wider Bay of Plenty that is closely aligned with local industry and the community.


Sir Michael Cullen chairs the new Tertiary Intentions Strategy (TIS) implementation leadership group.

The TIS was developed in close partnership with iwi, industry and the community in 2014 and lays out a collaborative vision, strategy and desired actions for post-compulsory education and research delivery.

Establishment chair Sir Michael Cullen says the TIS is anchored in and owned by the region.

"Ultimately the strategy is about enabling local people to be trained for local jobs, and enables the connections to make this a reality.

"It is independent from tertiary institutions, government, and local and regional councils, although it has their support. The recently established leadership group provides a formal means of engagement with regional stakeholders and will ensure active, nimble partnerships are formed between people, businesses and communities.

"The potential of this group is significant - we have the opportunity and the mandate to advocate and effect positive change in the region's education and training sector."

He says the strategy aims to work with stakeholders to raise the importance of education in the region, particularly the role it plays in enabling individuals and society to foster the skills and resilience underlying effective social and economic engagement.

"By re-engaging Maori youth in education, advocating for valid training opportunities and career pathways and promoting twenty-first century transferable skills, we can play a role in strengthening local communities".

Bill Wasley, who chaired the strategy development reference group, says the leadership group is delighted to have Sir Michael on board.

"We are delighted that Sir Michael could chair the group, with his many years of experience and relationships throughout the region and nationally. It is important that this strategy reflects our community's needs and aspirations, and Sir Michael's leadership adds yet another layer of collaboration and experience."

The TIS is closely aligned with the Bay of Plenty Regional Growth Study, which identifies the TIS as a core mechanism through which the region can achieve its educational aspirations.

The strategy is supported by the Bay of Plenty Tertiary Education Partnership (which includes Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, University of Waikato and Waiariki Institute of Technology), local industry, local and central government (Tertiary Education Commission, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, SmartGrowth, Priority One, Grow Rotorua, Toi EDA and Taupo District Council).

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