Source: Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Te Pūkenga, a new permanent unifying name that represents many strands and ideas was yesterday confirmed for the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.
Hon Chris Hipkins, Minister of Education, announced Te Pūkenga as NZIST’s new permanent name at Te Pūkenga’s head office location at Wintec’s city campus in Hamilton.
The new name and visual identity was recommended to the Minister by Te Pūkenga’s Council following public consultation and extensive engagement with stakeholders.
The name Te Pūkenga reflects the new tertiary institute’s commitment to New Zealand’s unique heritage and the relationship with tangata whenua.
It is a strong and unifying name for an institute charged with creating a single unified vocational education system where learners are put at the very centre. One where learning is flexible and adaptive to learners’ unique needs, while ensuring it is purposeful and the skills offered meet the expectations of employers in a changing world of work.
Right across Aotearoa yesterday afternoon staff, learners and trainees at Subsidiaries and Transitional ITOs were able to join in via a live-stream and listen to the announcement, celebrating Te Pūkenga as our new unifying name.
“The name Te Pūkenga describes the gaining and mastery of valuable skills through passing knowledge down from person to person,” explains Stephen Town, Te Pūkenga’s Chief Executive. “The learner receives knowledge and in time becomes an expert in those skills. This embodies the spirit of Te Pūkenga for New Zealand.”
The Institute’s full legal name is Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.
“A name that uses both te reo Māori and English highlights the organisation’s commitment to partnership under the Treaty of Waitangi, and reflects the important role the organisation will play for Māori.”
“We consulted on a wide range of possible name suggestions and Te Pūkenga was chosen because it was the best fit for who we are – a skills-based institute with a strong commitment to ākonga and Aotearoa,” says Stephen.
