The Wairoa District Council, through its engagement with recreation and sport industry training organisation Skills Active Aotearoa, has signed on to a new on-job training programme that will champion Te Reo Māori, tīkanga and education in Wairoa.

The Council has been working with Skills Active since 2010, supporting staff to complete national qualifications in business, lifeguarding, sport and recreation at the Wairoa Community Centre.

The Council has entered into an agreement with Skills Active whereby staff and Council will have the opportunity to undertake the National Certificate in Māori Management.

So far more than 20 Council staff members will take part in the Māori Management qualification – including Mayor Craig Little and CEO Steven May.

Mayor Craig Little says the relationship with Skills Active is aligned with the Council’s mission to deliver the best possible services to Wairoa, whether that’s through sport and recreation, cultural services or other activities.

Mr Little is “excited to take part in an initiative that will further Council’s push to help Wairoa become a bilingual town”.

Last year Council adopted its Te Reo Māori Policy, which is designed to develop and promote te reo Māori throughout the organisation.

“We support, and are keen to take part in, any initiative that promotes the use of the Māori language,” Mr Little says.

“This partnership with Skills Active Aotearoa will enable Council to further support the Te Wairoa Reorua 2040/bilingual Wairoa initiative.”

Born and raised Wairoa woman Chauntelle Brown, is the Learning Support Advisor for Skills Active Aotearoa but is based in Napier.

“It is exciting times to come home, work in my hometown and encourage whānau to reach their full potential through education,” says Chauntelle.

Chauntelle will be completing the same qualification with Council staff and is looking forward to building solid relationships with everyone involved.

“What an honour it is to be training alongside His Worship Mayor Craig Little and CEO Steven May.

“A quote I love and live by, from B.B. King, is: ‘The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you’.”

About Skills Active

Skills Active Aotearoa is the industry training organisation for sport, community recreation, exercise, outdoor recreation, dive, snowsport and performing arts. We are a non-profit organisation, funded by government to promote sport, recreation and performing arts careers and workforce development, create world-class qualifications, and support workplaces to train staff.

31 October 2018

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