News

Pathways Breakfast: Connecting our people with the world of work

On Wednesday, 19 February, people from across education, business, and the community gathered at Transport World, Invercargill for the Pathways Breakfast.

Around 80 attendees came together to explore how schools, training providers, and businesses can work together to help connect our people with the world of work. The event focused on creating stronger links between education and industry, making sure rangatahi get the skills, experience, and opportunities they need to move confidently into their careers.

Collaboration

Collaboration was a big theme of the morning, with discussions about breaking down barriers and making it easier for our people to move from education into jobs. The discussions reinforced the need for stronger partnerships between industry, education providers, and government agencies to ensure ākonga (students) gain the necessary skills and experience for their future careers.

The Te Ara Aukati Kore (Pathways Without Barriers) kaupapa was presented, reflecting a commitment to removing obstacles in education and employment. It aligns with the National Education and Learning Priorities, emphasising the need for a flexible and inclusive education system that supports diverse learning pathways. This approach ensures that students are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to transition smoothly into further education, vocational training, or the workforce.

Sharing industry insights

Speakers shared ideas about education and training, from hands-on learning and industry placements to support services that help students and job seekers find the right career path. Business representatives shared insights into their industries, discussing career pathways, the skills and training employers seek, and emerging workforce trends. The Ministry of Social Development provided a broader perspective, discussing the long-term impacts of Jobseeker Support in New Zealand and outlining resources available to help both job seekers and employers build a resilient workforce.

The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with attendees appreciating the opportunity to connect with representatives from education, industry, and government agencies. Many highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge and leveraging community learnings to create stronger employment pathways. There was also enthusiasm for expanding future collaborations, ensuring more voices are involved in shaping Southland’s career, education and workforce development plans.

Thanks to our guest speakers and sponsors

Thank you to the speakers who shared their valuable insights:

• Ivan Hodgetts: Murihiku Regeneration & The Ministry of Education
• Ray Laurenson: Southland Boys’ High School
• Mike Wright: South Otago High School
• Mark Van Asperen: Big River Homes
• Jemma Cournane & Kat Paterson: Niagara
• Kathryn Lindsay: Meridian Energy
• Brendan Gray: Engage Engineering
• Simon Chisolm: Stabicraft
• Tina Graham: Ministry of Social Development.

Their contributions were instrumental in delivering insightful presentations.

A special thank you also to our sponsors for their generous support: Te Puni Kōkiri, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Development, Engage Engineering, Southland Business Chamber, Kia Tū, Murihiku Regeneration, and Hokonui Rūnanga. Their contributions helped make this event possible.

Upcoming events - get involved!

The Pathways Breakfast was all about bringing people together to share ideas and explore ways to support the next generation. With another event coming up later in the year, there’s a real focus on keeping these conversations going and making sure young people have the best shot at a successful career. If you’d like to be involved as a guest or speaker, or if you have insights to share, we’d love to hear from you!

For more information contact Abby-Lee Evans: [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]

Posted: 25 February 2025

Harakeke at Harwicke – Waiata and weaving to acknowledge Waitangi Day 2025

Kara Edwards and Rachael Forsyth are the Murihiku ki te Tonga (MKTT) Expedition Team embarked on the Heritage Adventurer for the February-March voyage into the Southern Ocean visiting the NZ Subantartic Islands, Macquarie Island and also Antarctica.

MKTT is a first nations led research, science and innovation programme aimed at building intergenerational capability and capacity, ensuring Ngāi Tahu rights and interests are protected in the Southern Ocean, and also developing programmes and projects which support regenerative economic opportunities. MKTT is also looking to develop a rangatahi programme to enable young Ngāi Tahu members to connect with the Southern Ocean and in particular the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands of Tine Heke, Maukahuka, and Ihupuku).

On 5 February, as a part of the ship’s programme, the Ngai Tahu MKTT Team were given permission by the Department of Conservation to collect harakeke (New Zealand flax – Phormium tenax) in the vicinity of Hardwicke on Enderby Island to enable a morning of waiata and weaving instruction for a number of the ship’s passengers on 6 February, to commemorate Waitangi Day onboard the vessel.

“This is an opportunity for us to share some of our cultural context and values with the ship mostly international passengers and crew, as we do our part to acknowledge Te Tiriti and what that means to Ngāi Tahu, and Iwi more generally,” says Kara Edwards, the MKTT Expedition Leader.

The team will be deployed in the Southern Ocean over the rest of February- conducting a range of activities and projects to support the MKTT work programme.

Posted: 7 February 2025

Murihiku ki te Tonga – 2025 Summer Season Ross Sea Expeditions Underway

The first of three Southern Ocean Murihiku ki Te Tonga (MKTT) expeditions focused on the Southern Ocean, NZ Subantarctics, Ross Sea Marine Protected Area (MPA) and Antarctica departedPhoto taken by Elijah Shatford from the Bluff on the Heritage Expeditions ship the Heritage Adventurer on 7 January 2025.

MKTT is the Murihiku Regeneration marine programme focused on research, science and innovation opportunities in Te Moana tāpokopoko a Tāwhaki (the Ross Sea Sector).

The January 2025 team– Anthony Fowler (Awarua) -Expedition Leader, and Elijah Shatford (Makaawhio)-Expedition Member, deployed on 7 January and expect to be back in Bluff on 3 February after having visited a number of significant destinations. These include Rakiura, Tini Heke (the Snares), Maukahuka (Auckland Islands), Macquarie Island, Motu Ihupuku (Campbell Island) and Antarctica. The pair are undertaking a number of research and scientific activities that contribute to the MKTT Programme.Photo taken by Elijah Shatford

The team had already undertaken a number of visits and activities.

“Our language is void of description of this place, this wonderful place,”

“We would like to thank Heritage Expeditions for enabling this trip,” said Anthony Fowler of his time in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.

“This is an incredible once in a life time opportunity, that I will always value”, reiterated Elijah Shatford on his time on the Heritage Adventurer.Photo taken by Elijah Shatford

At the time of writing, the MKTT team were at sea in McMurdo Sound and in close proximity of Scott Base. A request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Antarctica NZ to get support to be able to visit the Pou Whenua at Scott Base and pay their respects on behalf of Ngāi Tahu was denied. Health and safety issues cited as a reason.

“This raises the challenges that MKTT has faced in being able to have reasonable access to sites of cultural significance”, confirmed Riki Nicholas, the MKTT Programme Director.

“We will continue to push for access for future expeditions, and an opportunity for both our programme and Ngāi Tahu to have reasonable access to the Scott Base Pou Whenua”, he confirmed.Photo taken by Elijah Shatford

MKTT will also deploy a team of two in February 2025 aboard the Heritage Adventurer -Kara Edwards (Makaawhio) and Rachael Forsyth (Makaawhio/ Waewae), to continue with the research programme. A team of six is preparing to deploy to Maukahuka (Auckland Islands) on the HMNZS Canterbury in March.

Posted: 24 January 2025

Sponsors line up powers 2024 Murihiku Regeneration Energy and innovation Wānanga to success

A powerful line up of over 30 sponsors have helped make the 2024 Murihiku Regeneration Energy and Innovation Wānanga a huge success.

The two day regenerative event focused on energy, oceans and innovation opportunities for Murihiku-Southland communities and for New Zealand. It was supported by an impressive range a fantastic line up of sponsors that included international and national businesses, developers, Iwi, research and science organisations and regional and local organisations looking to demonstrate their support for the event and the possibilities it has created.

(From left to right) Boris Novak, Mr David Gehrenbeck, HE Mr Makoto Osawa, HE Nicole Menzenbach, HE Lawrence Meredith and Dominic Bowden

“We are privileged to have such committed sponsors, representing a huge range of sectors from all over the world to here in Southland”.

“We would like to particularly like to thank global energy company, Woodside Energy as our premier sponsor. Their commitment to our relationship has been unwavering.”

“We would also like to mention Westpac Bank, Rio Tinto, Contact Energy and Awarua Rūnaka, Oraka Aparima Rūnaka and Hokonui Rūnanga for their crucial support to this event and what it can deliver for our communities,”

“Also the support from Ngai Tahu and Waikato Tainui leaders, who demonstrated the value and cohesion that iwi bring to the regional development and economic productivity conversations,” says Terry Nicholas Portfolio Director for Murihiku Regeneration.

Significant project opportunities for the region were shared and a number of new initiatives identified by speakers at the two day event.

Posted: 6 December 2024

Towards 2030- Murihiku Regeneration releases ambitious Regional Energy Action Plan

Today, Murihiku Regeneration has released its ambitious “Towards 2030” Energy Transitions Action Plan.

The Energy Action Plan has been developed over the last 12 months, and gone through consultation, engagement, and feedback, to provide an action plan that will support the identified key priorities needed through the energy transition by 2030. The work was completed as a part of the previous government’s Just Transitions Programme through the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and employment.

The action plan focuses on the following goals:

• 100% renewable energy generation within the takiwā, as a net exporter of energy (through the effective use of electrons).

• The targeted decarbonisation of two key sectors, heavy transport (land and marine) and process heat.

• Murihiku-Southland as one of New Zealand’s largest producers of green hydrogen.

• Rakiura well on a path to becoming net zero.

• Accelerating uptake through Regional Aviation and Heavy Transport – as the first region to achieve electric aviation and then being ready for hydrogen fuelled aircraft. Also setting up a viable carbon reducing refuelling network (hydrogen and electric) for heavy transport.

• Building an effective net zero workforce - the creation of new trades and professional jobs in science, technology, engineering, environmental management and planning, and adjacent sectors.

The release of the plan follows in the footsteps of the recent Regeneration Energy, Oceans, and Innovation Wānanga (Summit) where the key priorities, actions, and opportunities in the report were shared with participants. The Wānanga was held 26-27 November and included talks from both the energy Ministers – Hon Simeon Brown and Hon Shane Jones. Keynote discussions and panels included speakers from the energy industry, regulators and network company leaders, and a large contingent of local and international developers and industrial users.

“It is vital that we turn our minds to the ‘how’ and the ‘what’ we are going to do. 2030 is just around the corner and we really need to get on with it, “ says Terry Nicholas, Portfolio and Energy Director for Murihiku Regeneration.

“ Green hydrogen must play a role in our energy future. If it isn’t hydrogen then tell me what it is,” says Ta Tipene O’Regan, from the Office of Upoko within Murihiku Regeneration.

“Furthermore, we must look at all forms of energy -that includes new hydro, onshore and offshore wind, and of course wave and tidal energy options. All of these are readily available to develop”, says Ta Tipene.

The Action Plan has been shared with key stakeholders, partners and is available on the Regeneration website.

“we are less focused on the words of that document, and more on the actions that will come from it. We have already instigated key actions in a number of areas of the plan, and wish for the coalition of the willing to work with us on progressing further,” says Mike Shatford, the Murihiku Regeneration Energy Transitions Programme manager.”

“At our next Wānanga, in 2025 we will update on actions and progress,” says Nicholas.

Posted: 6 December 2024