March 24, 2019
Outrage at vocational training reform
The Skills Active Industry Training Organisation has put Education Minister Chris Hipkins on notice as it will seek a judicial review of his reform of the vocational training unless he extends consultation with the sector.
Chair Sam Napia says the six week consultation period, which was extended a week because of events in Christchurch, isn’t good enough.
He says ITOs have been more effective than polytechs in training Māori.
Skills Active, which is 50 percent Māori-owned, has developed a high level of expertise and intellectual capital which means Māori now complete its courses at the same rate and in similar numbers to non-Māori.
"Where does the crown think it can get off now by taking Māori-owned intellectual capital, rip it away from us, alienate that from the hands of Māori owneship and give it to a mega-polytech and yet to be organised skills boards," Mr Napia says.
Skills Active, which trains people to work in sport, exercise, recreation and performing arts, is also considering an urgent claim with the Waitangi Tribunal.
Copyright © 2019, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com