Education – Page 39 – rnzngin Fifth Estate

August 25, 2023

Education Minister Announces New Fund

Source: Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

The Government is supporting a new fund to remove barriers and improve opportunities for the most underserved tertiary learners.

The new fund ‘Tūwhitia – Accelerating Learner Success’ – will provide up to $10 million each year to tertiary institutions to co-fund learner success initiatives.

Education Minister Hon Jan Tinetti announced the fund when she visited the Toi Ohomai | Te Pūkenga Rotorua campus this week.

There are great ideas out there to improve learner success, but some tertiary education providers are struggling to get them off the ground with the impact of lower enrolment numbers.

The fund will reduce barriers to establishing such initiatives so learners can experience the benefits sooner. The initiatives selected will be focused on a whole-of-organisation change to better support underserved learners and achieving equity, which in turn will benefit all.

These initiatives could range from support and monitoring programmes to changing the way the organisation is structured and interacts with learners.

For example, some tertiary providers are using data on learners’ engagement in their courses and with the institution to indicate whether or not individual learners are more at risk of not succeeding. With this information, institutions are able to proactively contact the learner to understand what is happening in their life and ensure they get the support they need to be successful. Significant numbers of learners have been helped because of this approach, with institutions beginning to see increased course engagement and completions.

A number of providers are improving course completion rates for Māori and Pacific learners by mapping their learners’ journeys through tertiary education. This enables the providers to identify what works for learners and any personal or organisational issues that could be creating barriers to success. Organisational changes can then be made in how the provider works with, and supports, their learners to ensure their success.

Successfully gaining a tertiary qualification – be it through an apprenticeship, a diploma, or a degree – improves lifelong outcomes for individuals, whānau, and communities. Changes at tertiary providers are needed to ensure those who would benefit most, including Māori and Pacific learners, disabled learners, and those with learning support needs, are supported to be successful.

The Tertiary Education Commission will determine and publish eligibility criteria, funding rules and priorities in the coming months.

August 24, 2023

Sector insights on using data and technology to improve learner success

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

The Tertiary Education Commission is pleased to share with you a recording of the Data and Technology Learner Success Capability session featuring a panel discussion with:
Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement from Massey University – Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuora
Professor Catherine Moran, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic from University of Canterbury – Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Kaylene Sampson, Kaihautū Angitu Ako – Programme Director, Learner Success of University of Canterbury – Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha.
The Data and Technology Learner Success Capability focuses on the ability to ethically collect, assess, analyse and use data to inform decisions, and to use technology to support learner success for all.
[embedded content]
Sector showcases different organisational approaches to learner success in capability sessions
This is first in a series of sessions we are hosting alongside the sector to showcase the different organisational approaches tertiary providers are taking to become more learner-centric. The learner success capabilities are the key elements a tertiary education provider needs to get right to enable learners to succeed – whatever that looks like for each learner.
The goals of these sessions are to bring together tertiary providers in the spirit of learning, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, as well as enhance individual, group, and organisational development. We also want to help continue the momentum toward a more equitable tertiary sector, that was so apparent at last year’s Tūwhitia Symposium, so it carries on through to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa hosting the 2023 symposium on 28 and 29 September.
Rolling out recordings of learner success capability sessions
We will continue to roll-out recordings of these capability sessions over the coming months. The next session focuses on the Partnerships for learner success.

August 23, 2023

Best friends set to graduate after finding their calling at EIT | Te Pūkenga | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

Monty Karena (left) and Savanna Wharehinga with their certificates at the urupa of their much-loved tutor Ron Dennis.

Two best friends who met while studying at EIT | Te Pūkenga finished how they started – together – when they graduated on Friday.

Two hundred and forty graduates received their qualifications at two graduation ceremonies held at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre in Hastings on Friday (18 August).

Consistently top two in the class since they enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Te Reo Māori [Level 2], Savanna Wharehinga (Ngāti Porou) and Monty Karena (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngātiwai) will both graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (Māori).

The pair, who had originally enrolled separately in the Certificate in Social Sciences in 2017 to become social workers, changed programmes when they were welcomed into Te Ūranga Waka, the School of Māori Studies in the first week.

“I think we were there for two days at Te Ūranga Waka, and then decided that that’s where we wanted to stay and keep studying,” Savanna says.

“We didn’t know it then, but we could feel something while we were there that was like ‘oh, this is where we’re supposed to be. And this is what we need to do’.”

Monty believes it was their calling. “We feel like te reo Māori found us”.

Savanna, now 39-years-old and a mother of three worked at McDonalds for 17 years. While 33-year-old Monty, a mother of four, had worked at various meat works since leaving high school and had just returned home from Australia after having twin boys, now seven-years-old.

“I just didn’t want to go back to the meat works. I swore to myself, ‘I’m never going back there’. So, I did whatever I needed to do,” Monty says.

The transition to study was the same for Savanna.

“I had had enough of working at McDonald’s, and I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life.”

Having the opportunity to study and forge a new path was something they both took in their stride.

“When we first started studying, we didn’t know we were nerds, but we found out we actually are.” Monty says.

Throughout their time at EIT | Te Pūkenga, Savanna and Monty say they have felt supported by Kaimahi and peers, who are more like whānau. They credit a lot of this to Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Ūranga Waka and their late tutor Ron Dennis.

Ron’s passing last year affected them deeply.

“It really took a toll on us, our whole unit in Te Ūranga Waka. It was really devastating, and we didn’t think we were going to make it through,” Monty admits.

“He really embraced us and his whole whānau did also. He was like a dad to us and we were just really lucky to be a part of his circle.”

They say it was Ron who inspired them to keep going.

“We knew what he would say to us if we withdrew, because he always told us ‘don’t be dumb, don’t be a tou kūare!’. Don’t make dumb decisions when you’re in an emotional state’, That’s what pushed us through, we wanted to make him proud, so we could say to him, ‘we finished it’,” Savanna says.

“We had a little graduation at Te Ūranga Waka last year, at the end of the year, and we went out to see him at the urupā, and took our certificates and said, ‘Look, we finished. We finished the year’,” Monty says.

Savanna is now a tutor at Te Ūranga Waka, teaching the NZ Certificate in Te Reo me Ngā Tikanga [Level 4].

Monty was a Kaiwhakaako at Te Ūranga Waka up until last week when she began work at Kauwaka – an organisation established in 2020 as a vehicle to contribute to the language and cultural revitalisation efforts within Ngāti Kahungunu.

“We are definitely grateful for the opportunities that we have been given because we didn’t ask for it. Like we said, it’s where we’re supposed to be. And we’re on the path that we’re supposed to be on because everything’s just taken care of itself,” Monty says.

Savanna says: “We’re on the path that out tīpuna (ancestors) dreamed for us”.

While they have now finished their degree, Savanna and Monty both agree it is not the end of their journey with te reo Māori.

“It’s made us realise that if we want to carry on with our reo journey, we are responsible for that ourselves. Learning te reo Māori is a never-ending journey, so I don’t think we’ll ever stop learning.”

Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Ūranga Waka, says: “Monty and Savanna stand out with their beautiful singing voices and bubbly personalities and as strong, confident, and skilled wāhine/kaiwhakaako”.

“I believe without a doubt Ron would be absolutely stoked about their achievements as we all are. Poho kereru ana mātau katoa i a kōrua. Nō kōrua te ao!”

August 23, 2023

Funding, payments and learner fees – Youth Guarantee

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

For the full requirements, see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
Funding mechanism
The Minister responsible for tertiary education issues the YG funding mechanism. The funding mechanism outlines the general form and essential components of the fund. It provides the mandate for the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to allocate the funding and what the funding can be used for, and details how we administer the fund.
Funding is agreed through a tertiary education organisation’s (TEO’s) Investment Plan. For more information see Plan Guidance and Toolkit.
A TEO that receives YG funding is required to:
The overall amount of YG funding available is set through the Government’s annual budget process. We determine the appropriate amount of YG funding for a TEO through the annual investment process and in-year additional funding requests (if available).
EFTS definition
Change to equivalent full-time student (EFTS) definition from 1 January 2023
From 2023 the definition of a full-time, full-year workload (an EFTS) for a learner enrolled in a Level 1 or 2 Youth Guarantee qualification is 80 credits (not 120 credits).
This means that, after each Single Data Return (SDR) submission, we will pay 50% more YG funding for Level 1–3 course enrolments delivered toward a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification. These payments will be made on top of approved YG allocations.
Our definition of one EFTS for a learner enrolled in a Level 3 YG qualification remains 120 credits.
The table below sets out the change.

Year

Qualification level(NZQCF)

Credits per EFTS

Notional hours per EFTS

Portion of a full-time, full-year workload

2018

1–3

120

1200

100%

2019

1, 2

100

1,000

120

1,200

2023

1, 2

800

120

1,200

Implications of the change
TEOs need to track learner consumption of each learner’s 2.5 EFTS lifetime entitlement carefully. This is particularly relevant for learners progressing from a Level 1 or 2 YG qualification to a Level 3 YG qualification.
From 2023, track student EFTS consumption as follows:
For Level 1 and 2 qualifications, track course enrolments that started:
before 31 December 2018 using 120 credits per EFTS,
before 31 December 2022 using 100 credits per EFTS, and
after 1 January 2023 using 80 credits per EFTS.

For Level 3 qualifications, track course enrolments using 120 credits per EFTS.
You must not enrol a learner in more than:
1.5 EFTS of Level 1 and/or 2 YG qualification provision in any calendar year; and
1.0 EFTS of Level 3 YG qualification provision in any calendar year.
Funding allocations and payments
Funding allocations, including any amendments are available through the My Allocations and Payments app on Ngā Kete.
YG funding is paid in equal monthly instalments from January to June, and in equal monthly instalments from July to December.
After each Single Data Return (SDR) submission we pay (and recover) Youth Guarantee Exceptional Circumstances Travel Assistance funding.
Indicative allocation
The indicative allocation is our early estimate of the “On-Plan” funding that each tertiary education organisation (TEO) could receive in the following delivery year if its Investment Plan is approved for funding.
We calculate the indicative allocation using a set of allocation methodologies. These methodologies are specific to each fund. We review and revise them every year to ensure they’re aligned to funding determinations and the current tertiary environment.
Indicative allocations are made available through the My Allocations and Payments app on Ngā Kete from 1 June.
For more information, see Indicative allocations by year.
For more details regarding your specific allocation, please contact customerservice@tec.govt.nz or your Relationship Manager.
Funding wash-ups
For the calculation of funding wash-ups see the methodology and technical specifications from the relevant year.
Premium allocation
The Youth Guarantee premium allocation adjusts the overall YG funding you receive so that you are fully funded for 1 EFTS for every 80 credits delivered at Level 1 and 2.
Since 1 January 2023, the definition of a full-time, full-year workload (one EFTS) for a learner enrolled in a YG qualification is:
80 credits for Level 1 and 2 qualifications; and
120 credits for Level 3 qualifications.
The purpose of the EFTS definition change was to encourage providers to deliver Level 1 and 2 programmes that better reflect the expected workload for YG learners. Providers had found that most YG learners require additional time and support to achieve a 120-credit programme within a calendar year. This allocation will support the high costs needs and support for the learner.
Providers may continue to offer programmes of up to 120 credits where that is appropriate for learners, possibly with more intense delivery models and pastoral care.
We will allocate the 50% funding premium for the Level 1 and 2 qualifications in your Level 1 and 2 commitment
We will allocate the YG premium based on your Level 1 and 2 commitments in your YG Mix of Provision (MoP).
We will calculate your final delivery against your total YG allocation, including the Level 1 and 2 premium and recovery if you were overpaid.
We will adjust your premium allocation, if required, due to other significant Plan changes
Significant Plan changes during the year may affect the amount of Level 1 and 2 premium required, for example if we have agreed a change in the total allocated, or there is a change in the distribution of your commitments within the allocation. If necessary, we will recalculate and adjust your premium allocation.
We will carefully review your submitted MoP to ensure we allocate the correct amount
We will monitor closely to ensure you allocate accurately as agreed with TEC in your MoP. This includes any changes agreed within the year. We will only accept and approve the MoP if the commitment is within the MoP tolerance (tolerance value identified in MoP instructions tab), and the distribution of the funding is in line with what was agreed and approved by the TEC. MoPs must be submitted in a timely matter.
We will take into account previous delivery patterns, and any specific agreements you have with us regarding changes to your MoP.
Funding rates
There are two funding rates for all YG provision – the trades and non-trades rates per EFTS.
The trades funding rate applies to trades provision at Levels 2 and 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
The non-trades rate applies to all other provision at Levels 1 to 3 on the NZQCF.
This page provides information on the YG funding rates.
Wellbeing and pathways support subsidy
The wellbeing and pathways support subsidy is intended to fund a range of services tailored to the needs of individual learners. This may include:
career planning and advice
specific cultural and learning support that is easy for the learner to access
an orientation programme that informs learners about access to financial assistance
extra-curricular activities
regular activities with other YG learners
building workplace connections, and/or
From 2023, TEOs are expected to work with learners and their whānau to develop a pathway plan to map “where to from here”. The plan would support each learner’s needs to move to further study and/or employment. The level of detail would depend on each learner’s individual needs, what their end goals are and what support they need throughout their study to meet those goals, as well as any post-study support the learner requires to take the next steps towards further study and/or employment.
We will allocate the wellbeing and pathways support allocation based on your total EFTS commitment in your MoP
We will calculate and pay the subsidy separately to your other YG funding.
We will not recover any of the subsidy where under-delivery occurs.
We will pay the subsidy on all eligible Flexible Funding over-delivery (up to 102% of your allocation) based on your December SDR reporting.
We will adjust your wellbeing and pathways support allocation, if required, due to other significant Plan changes
Significant Plan changes during the year may affect the amount of wellbeing and pathways support allocation you are entitled to, for example if we have agreed a change in the total allocated. If necessary, we will recalculate and adjust your wellbeing and pathways support allocation.
Travel assistance funding
For the full travel assistance funding requirements, see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
Travel assistance funding must only be used to pay for the actual cost of transport. We expect TEOs to take an “actual and reasonable” approach to the reimbursement of learner travel costs. This means if a learner uses:
public transport, the reimbursement of the student must be based on the appropriate concession rate, or
private transport, we recommend that the TEO establish a reimbursement rate on a case-by-case basis by contacting the AA.
If the TEO supplies the transport, the cost of the travel must not exceed 80 cents per kilometre travelled.
Travel assistance funding that is paid directly to a learner must only be used to cover or reimburse costs associated with travel to and from the YG course.
Records
The TEO must keep records of all learner travel expenses and TEO reimbursements to learners.
If the TEO supplies transport to learners, it must keep records of travel expenses. All travel records are to be made available to us on request. Records must include:
a daily travel logbook that sets out the kilometres travelled in relation to each learner, and
the source of funding for each learner’s enrolment at the TEO (for example, whether the learner is enrolled in a YG funded programme or otherwise).
Inland Revenue
If the TEO supplies transport, the TEO must keep records of travel expenses in line with Inland Revenue requirements.
There may be tax implications in the way that travel reimbursements are administered. Contact Inland Revenue directly for further information.
When reimbursing learners for travel, in general, TEOs are not able to claim GST input tax on this cost because the payments are made to individuals who are not registered for GST. GST input tax can only be claimed if the TEO has incurred the cost itself and can produce a GST invoice in support of the claim.
Travel subsidy
The travel assistance subsidy is expected to adequately meet the costs associated with normal learner travel needs.
As the travel subsidy is allocated per EFTS, the TEO may cross-subsidise by using more than the per EFTS rate for some learners (ie, where they have particularly high travel expenses), and less than the per EFTS rate for others (where they do not require the full amount).
The TEO must reimburse each learner within a reasonable time after they have incurred the cost.
Exceptional Circumstances Transport Assistance funding
Exceptional Circumstances Transport Assistance (ECTA) funding is to provide additional transport assistance to learners who live in relatively isolated areas who may have higher transport needs.
For the full exceptional circumstances transport assistance funding requirements, see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
ECTA funding is based on EFTS delivered, and the rural isolation of the site where the delivery took place. The rural isolation of TEOs’ delivery sites uses a classification system developed by Statistics New Zealand.
Based on the urban/rural classification we provide a “top-up” payment per YG EFTS at each delivery site as reported in each SDR submission.
These rates include a general 2.75% increase to funding for 2023.
2023 “top-up” payments

Urban/rural definition

Classification

Exceptional circumstances top-up rate per EFTS (GST exclusive)

Total travel subsidy rate per EFTS (GST exclusive)

Major urban area

Urban

$1,000

Large urban area

Urban

$1,000

Medium urban area

Urban

$645

$1,645

Small urban area

Urban

$1,075

$2,075

Rural settlement

Rural

$1,075

$2,075

Rural other

Rural

$1,075

$2,075

Funding calculation
Disaggregated courses must add up to the total credit value of the qualification, but unlike Delivery Qualification (DQ) funding, Youth Guarantee is not funded at the course level.
For a trades qualification at Levels 2 and 3 the funding calculation is: trades rate per EFTS x qualification EFTS value. Trades qualifications include NCEA where at least 50% of the courses are classified under Delivery on the NZQCF at Levels 7 (degree) and above delivery classification codes – alphabetic and numeric – as C1, L1, or P1. For further guidance see Trades and Non-Trades Learning Programmes – Ministry of Education.
For a non-trades qualification the funding calculation is: non-trades rate per EFTS x qualification EFTS value. Non-trade qualifications include NCEA where less than 50% of the courses are classified as trades courses.
Specifically, we calculate a TEO’s consumed funding using:
the number of valid domestic student enrolments, measured by equivalent full-time students (EFTS), and
the qualifications, and their component courses, in which a valid domestic student is enrolled.
To calculate a TEO’s consumed Youth Guarantee funding, we use the following elements:
the metric (EFTS value)
delivery classification
qualification funding category (trades/non-trades, which may also depend on level on the NZQCF), and
qualification funding rate.
Example only (rates may differ depending on year):

Step

Funding calculation

Example

Assign the qualification an EFTS value

A TEO’s NZ2104 New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage (Level 3) obtained through half a year of academic year study has a value of 0.5 EFTS.
Note: We use 120 credits per EFTS for all qualifications in STEO.

Assign the qualification a funding rate

This is determined in conjunction with us. The rate will be trade or non-trade, depending on whether the majority of course EFTS are trades or non-trades.

Disaggregate the qualification into courses
Calculate the EFTS factor of each course (Note: We use 120 credits per EFTS for all courses in STEO)
Classify the courses

The programme is disaggregated into three courses.
Each course has an EFTS factor of 0.1667 EFTS.
The subject matter of these courses is classified as #22 (Trades) in the Delivery Classification Guide.

Apply the funding category

Refer to Funding category (CATEGORY) under Information about courses:
The funding category alphabetic code is used to determine the category of the course as P (Trades #22).
The funding category numeric code is used to determine the category of the course as 1 (non-degree course with no research requirement, including certificates and diplomas).

Apply funding rates

The funding rate for provision towards a trade qualification, including transport subsidy, is $14,981 per EFTS, plus $2,000 per EFTS wellbeing and pathways support subsidy.

Multiply the funding rate by the number of valid enrolments

For 10 students on each of the 3 courses, each course attracts Youth Guarantee funding of $28,307.33 (excl. GST) calculated as (0.1667 x $14,981 x 10 = $24,973.33) + (0.1667 x $2,000 x 10 = $3,334.00).
This means the programme attracts $84,921.99 funding if 10 students enrol in each of the 3 programme courses.
Note: From 2023, for Level 1 and 2 qualifications, we pay a 50% premium in addition to each EFTS reported in your Single Data Return (SDR). This is to acknowledge our YG definition of an EFTS being 80 credits for Level 1 and 2 qualification delivery.

Calculating funding for Level 1 and 2 qualification provision
From 2023 onwards, we recognise that 80 credits is a full-time, full-year workload for a learner enrolled in a Level 1 or 2 Youth Guarantee qualification (or qualifications) (one EFTS).
As a result TEOs will receive 50% more funding for delivery of EFTS towards Level 1 and 2 qualifications.
The amount paid will be determined by the volume of Levels 1–3 course enrolment EFTS that lead towards Level 1 and 2 Youth Guarantee qualifications, as reported in the SDR.
We will fund up to 120 credits worth of delivery per learner in a calendar year.
You must not enrol a learner in more than:
1.5 EFTS (120 credits) for programmes leading to Level 1 and/or 2 Youth Guarantee qualifications; and
1.0 EFTS (120 credits) for programmes leading to Level 3 Youth Guarantee qualifications.
We will continue to fund up to 120 credits worth of delivery per learner in a calendar year.

Student’s 2023 enrolments

Credits

2023 EFTS

Credits ‘funded’

Definition

Delivered

Reported in the SDR

Funded (includes premium payment)

New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2)

80 credits

0.7500

0.5000

0.7500*

New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3)

120 credits

0.5417

Total

125

N/A

1.2917

1.0417

1.2917

125

* 0.500 Level 2 EFTS reported in the SDR plus the 50% premium = 0.750 Level 2 EFTS funded.
Re-enrolling a Youth Guarantee student
Where a YG learner requires further study to complete their qualification, their study can only be to complete courses that they have not yet passed. This can include content not yet studied or content studied and assessed, but requiring a re-sit.
Note: A learner who turns 25 years old while enrolled is not eligible to re-enrol.
For example:
A TEO enrols a learner in all courses linked to a 60-credit (0.5 EFTS) Level 3 qualification. The sum of the course EFTS factors is 0.5 EFTS.
The learner passes/achieves 30 credits from the 60-credit course enrolments. The TEO is funded 0.5 EFTS, for the 60 credits of courses the learner was enrolled in.
The TEO re-enrols the learner in a second period of study for the remaining 30 credits not yet achieved. The TEO is funded 0.25 EFTS for the 30 credits of courses the learner was re-enrolled in.
The learner successfully completes the courses and is awarded the qualification.
The learner will have received 0.75 EFTS worth of provision (90 credits), and the TEO will be funded for 0.75 EFTS delivery (0.5 + 0.25 EFTS) (assuming funding conditions are met for each course enrolment).
Note: The TEO will report 0.25 EFTS (30 credits) unsuccessful course completions, and 0.5 EFTS (60 credits) successful course completions.
Calculating EFTS remaining vs consumed
To determine the exact value of the EFTS remaining for a returning learner, the following formula should be used:

Qual EFTS value – (credits completed/total qual credits x qual EFTS value) = remaining EFTS

For example:
0.5 – (30/60 x 0.5)
= 0.5 – 0.25
= 0.25 remaining EFTS

Notes:
You will need to ensure that when a learner needs more time to complete their qualification, other learners are enrolled to ensure you deliver fully on your Mix of Provision (MoP) EFTS commitment and consume all funding for the year.
Consider a learner’s course re-enrolments before you enrol them in a further programme. Where a learner does not complete a course successfully and you re-enrol them and claim funding, the learner is consuming additional EFTS towards their entitlements.
Flexible funding
We fund eligible TEOs for eligible Youth Guarantee provision above the amount the TEO has been approved to deliver. This is to provide TEOs with flexibility to meet additional learner demand.
For further information about flexible funding, please see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
Flexible funding:
is payable for provision towards qualifications that we have agreed to fund in your Mix of Provision (MoP)
does not mean we have changed your approved funding allocation, and
is subject to the conditions that we have imposed on your funding.
The external evaluation and review (EER) category referred to in the funding conditions will be the highest published EER category for the TEO during the funding year to which flexible funding is being applied.
Flexible funding is calculated using the December Single Data Return (SDR). Payments are made in March of the following year.
Suspending or revoking funding
Under clause 16 of Schedule 18 of the Education and Training Act 2020 (the Act), we may suspend or revoke some or all funding given under section 425 of the Act if we are satisfied on reasonable grounds that:
when measured against performance indicators, the TEO has not achieved, or is not achieving, an outcome anticipated in its Investment Plan for a tertiary education programme or activity in relation to which funding has been given under section 425 of the Act, or
the TEO has not complied, or is not complying, with a condition on which funding has been given under section 425 of the Act, or
the TEO has not provided, or is not providing, adequate and timely information required by the TEC or Ministry of Education under section 425 of the Act.
If a TEO has its funding approval revoked in accordance with clause 16 of Schedule 18 of the Act, the unspent portion of funding is repayable to us on demand (see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year). We may offset the amount against any funding payable to the TEO.
Subcontracting
Subcontracting refers to a situation in which a TEO uses TEC funding to pay another organisation to deliver teaching or assessment on its behalf. This excludes:
teaching and learning activities contracted to individuals or organisations that are not TEOs (for example, an employee on a fixed-term contract, an honorary staff member, or a contract for teaching and learning services with a subject-matter expert for part of the programme such as for First Aid provision)
research activities or postgraduate research supervision, and
learning that occurs within vocational placements such a workplace placement or practicum.
A TEO must not subcontract delivery of any YG funded programme without the prior written approval of NZQA where the TEO is quality assured by NZQA and without prior written consent from us.
Note: To gain approval, you must demonstrate how the subcontracting arrangement would benefit the YG programme.
If we approve a subcontract arrangement
Subcontracting can be agreed in two ways
If we approve a subcontract arrangement, the subcontracting can be agreed to within a TEO’s Investment Plan (Plan). The subcontracting specified in the Plan will be permitted for the period of the Plan. If the Plan expires then approval will need to be obtained from us again.
Subcontracting can also be agreed outside of a Plan. Again, the subcontracting specified will be permitted for the period agreed with us.
At any time, TEOs can contact us to discuss proposed subcontracting.
Subcontracting TEO obligations
As specified in section 425 of the Education and Training Act 2020, it is a condition of a TEO receiving funding under section 425 that the TEO will supply to us, from time to time as required by us, and in a form specified by us, any financial, statistical, or other information that we require the TEO to supply.
Therefore, at any time, we can request information regarding subcontracted activities from the TEO (that has subcontracted another party to carry out the activities).
In addition, a TEO that has subcontracted another party to carry out its activities:
must comply with any conditions imposed by us within a consent to subcontract; and
must ensure that the subcontracted party does not further subcontract any functions; and
will be accountable to us for the use of the YG funding, including in respect to legislative and funding condition requirements.
Student Allowance and Student Loan Scheme payments
A qualification must be approved for TEC funding before a learner can access the Student Allowance and Student Loan Schemes. YG learners are only eligible for some aspects of the Student Loan Scheme. For further information on eligibility visit StudyLink.
Qualifications delivered full-time
We will only approve a YG funded qualification for learner access to Student Allowance Student Loan Schemes if the programme:
is delivered full-time
runs for a minimum of 12 weeks, and
has an EFTS value of at least 0.3.
A full-time YG programme must be made up of at least 0.5 EFTS, comprising one or more qualifications. Where there is recognition of prior learning (RPL) for some of the programme, the learner’s individual programme following RPL must be at least 0.5 EFTS.
Qualifications delivered part-time
A programme for a qualification of less than 0.3 EFTS is classified as part-time regardless of the number of weeks over which it is delivered. A part-time programme for a qualification is not eligible for learner access to the Student Allowance Scheme.
For a YG funded part-time programme leading to a qualification, we will only approve learner access to the Student Loan Scheme if the programme meets one of the following criteria:
it runs for 32 weeks or more and has an EFTS value of at least 0.3 EFTS, or
it runs for fewer than 32 weeks with an EFTS value of between 0.25 and 0.3 EFTS.
Loan entry threshold
The loan entry threshold (LET) is used to identify the minimum EFTS value required for a learner’s individual study programme to be deemed full-time. This affects learner eligibility for the Student Allowance and Student Loan Schemes. A qualification that is not deemed to be full-time (ie, not approved for access to the Student Allowance and Student Loan Schemes) can nevertheless be funded through YG.
The LET is determined by matching a range of gross weeks to a range of EFTS values. A gross week is the total length of enrolment in a programme of study, including holiday weeks.
The table below shows this relationship (qualifications of less than 0.3 EFTS may still be eligible for learner access to the Student Loan Scheme).

Loan entry threshold table

Length of enrolment(Gross weeks)

Loan entry threshold(EFTS)

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.525

0.55

0.575

0.6

0.625

0.65

0.675

0.7

0.725

0.75

0.775

32–52

0.8

53 or more

1.0

Student allowances – paid practical work
Learners that undertake paid practical work as part of their course of study are not entitled to any student allowance payments for the week(s) they undertake that work. It is important that you discuss this with your learners.
For more information on student allowance entitlements and paid practical work please see StudyLink.

August 21, 2023

Celebrations as EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay students graduate | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

Students (ākonga) from EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay graduated at two ceremonies held at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre in Hastings on Friday (18 August).

There were celebrations as EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay students (ākonga), who faced COVID-19 disruptions, graduated on Friday.

Two hundred and forty graduates received their qualifications at two graduation ceremonies held at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre in Hastings on Friday (18 August).

In the first ceremony, held in the morning, 157 graduates from the Centre for Veterinary Nursing, IDEAschool, Te Uranga Waka, Schools of Education and Social Sciences, Primary Industries, Tourism and Hospitality, Trades and Technology, and Viticulture and Wine Science all graduated.

The afternoon saw 83 graduates from the Schools of Business, Computing, Health and Sport Science, and Nursing cross the stage.

Attending both ceremonies were Te Pūkenga Pourangi Hua Tiriti | Deputy Chief Executive Tiriti Outcomes Paora Ammunson; as well as Tumu Whenua a-Rohe 2 | Executive Directors Region 2, Kieran Hewitson and Huia Haeata. Napier City Councillor Keith Price, representing the city’s Mayor Kirsten Wise attended both ceremonies, while Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and Hinewai Ormsby, the Chair of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, attended the morning ceremony. Delegates from Chinese partnership university, Zhejiang Yuexiu University of Foreign Languages (ZYU), were also guests at the ceremonies.

Glen Harkness, EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director, congratulated all those who graduated..

“We know that COVID-19 brought multiple challenges over the years that these ākonga were at EIT | Te Pūkenga, but they can take pride in how they overcame that to achieve their diplomas, degrees and post graduate qualifications. Thanks to the kaimahi involved for all their hard work as well.”

“Once again EIT | Te Pūkenga is seeing a talented cohort graduating, which is a testament to the high quality programmes that we offer across the board. We have no doubt that these graduates will go on to make a mark in their chosen careers.”

Graduation ceremonies for the Tairāwhiti and Auckland campuses of EIT | Te Pūkenga were held earlier this year.

August 21, 2023

Medals Galore for Culinary Students

Source: Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

A group of Toi Ohomai STP culinary arts ākonga gleaned top honours at the Waikato Culinary Fare, with each one receiving a medal for their efforts.

They competed against more than 450 students from across the motu at the annual event, which was held at the Wintec | Te Pūkenga Rotokauri Campus Hospitality kitchens.

The Waikato Culinary Fare is a Wintec event, in partnership with Cater Plus, that features static and live food events. Intermediate and high school students compete for the highest scores which see their entries achieve gold, silver or bronze awards. It took place over two days this year in late June.

The Toi Ohomai Secondary Tertiary Programme (STP) offers high school students a first taste of an industry they are interested in.

Culinary Arts tutor David Collier-Baker says this was the second time he had entered his students into the competition and that he is incredibly proud of their achievements.

He had seven students competing, with each of them walking away with a medal, between them they achieved four golds, two silver and a bronze.

“I was blown away by their success. They really enjoyed the whole process, and the competition was a fantastic experience for them.”

He says the students, who study at Toi Ohomai two days a week, spent several weeks planning and preparing for the event. Working on their chosen item and perfecting the recipe.

“They came up with the ideas on their own and as we progressed the recipes evolved.”

The Waikato Culinary Fare has grown to become the largest regional competition of its type in New Zealand. This is made possible by the support of the event sponsors and the wider hospitality industry. This event allows emerging hospitality stars to compete, gaining valuable skills and experience through participation.
It is also an opportunity for the hospitality industry to come together under one roof, celebrating the sector.

Aleah Green, 16, took out a gold medal for her chocolate, caramel and coffee cupcakes and says she is excited about pursuing a career in baking.

“This was my first competition. I was pretty nervous and was so shocked to get gold but a career in baking is definitely my dream.

“I love the creativity and actually find it really calming.”

Western Heights High School’s Olivia Boulcott aims on becoming a chef and was proud that her braised lamb shank pie with homemade pasty earned her a silver medal.

“It was really exciting. I loved the whole experience.”

	Toni Daniels, 17 Te Kura o te Koutu Tropical Mille Feuille Silver		Connie Clark, 18 Western Heights High School Lemon Cupcakes Gold
	Aleah Green, 16 Tauhara College Chocolate, Caramel, Coffee Cupcakes Gold		Courtney Garner, 17 Tarawera High School Berries and Cream Cupcakes Gold
	Kai Keane, 17 Western Heights High School Chocolate Mudcake Bronze		Olivia Boulcott, 18 Western Heights High School Braised Lamb Shank Pie Silver
	Khori Pari, 17 Western Heights High School Caramel Cupcakes Gold

August 18, 2023

Student’s wife enrolled him in EIT Te Pūkenga and now he is graduating with diploma | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

14 hours ago

CJ Pineaha-Burns (Ngāti Kahungunu) is graduating from EIT | Te Pūkenga with a Diploma in Te Reo Māori.

CJ Pineaha-Burns (Ngāti Kahungunu) delayed completing the final half of his Diploma in Te Reo Māori, so his wife enrolled him – now he is graduating from EIT | Te Pūkenga tomorrow (Friday 18 August).

CJ says he began his te reo journey as far back as 2013, completing the NZ Certificate in Te Reo me Ngā Tikanga [Level 4] and half of the Diploma in Te Reo Māori (Immersion) [Level 5] before he and his wife moved to Australia. When they returned in 2019, his wife Savannah decided to study for her Bachelor in Māori Studies at EIT | Te Pūkenga.

The 28-year-old says it was important that he continued his studies.

“Te reo Māori was becoming so much more prominent in our house. All of our four kids go to Te Ara Hou, which is a full immersion Māori school. And so they were learning te reo Māori, my wife was in level six of her te reo Māori journey, and I was the only one in the house not on that journey.”

“And so, I got a phone call from EIT saying, ‘It looks like you want to enrol back into the diploma’. I didn’t know anything about it. It was actually my wife and my twin brother that rung them and told them that I wanted to be a part of it. And that’s how I got back in there. So I didn’t want to, I was pushed, and definitely grateful for that now.”

Te ao Māori (the Māori world) was a big reason for moving back home from Australia.

“It was a big part of what was missing when we were in Australia.”

His wife and twin brother Ethan will watch him graduate on Friday, and then next graduation, it will be their turn to walk the stage as they are due to both complete their Bachelor in Māori Studies at EIT | Te Pūkenga.

CJ says Te Ūranga Waka (Māori Studies) at EIT | Te Pūkenga has been so accommodating and supportive to him during his studies.

“Because I’ve got kids, they’ve helped me through that. And I ended up actually quitting my job recently so that I could go back to full-time study, because I did my diploma during night classes once a week. But when you’re learning te reo Māori, and you’re only doing it at night-times, it’s not enough. And because my kids were already in a Māori school, I needed to progress twice as fast, and I needed it daily. So now I’m full-time, and the whole dynamic of it has changed. It feels like I’m immersed in it all day now, which is perfect for my progression.”

“We’re all on the same page, and I can help them on their learning journey, and they can help me. We feed off each other now.”

While he may be graduating on Friday, his studying will still continue as he is enrolled in the Bachelor of Māori Studies.

While he has had other jobs in the past, including as a chef, CJ says he has finally found something he is comfortable in, and enjoying.

“It’s been an awesome journey. When they say ‘find something you enjoy doing’, I’m finally in that space. So I’ve just been offered a job as Kaiawhina (assistant) just going into level two classes and helping the tutors there. And that just helps me with my te reo Māori journey too, because I’m helping teach it.”

He joins his wife, brother and sister Desma Culshaw-Kaisa, who are all tutors at EIT | Te Pūkenga.

Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Uranga Waka, says: “The Kahungunu whakataukī ‘Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini’ describes how achievements are not due to the efforts of one but of many as in the case of CJ and his talented whānau.”

“It isn’t uncommon to have students from the same whānau studying with us but so many and all at the same time, is quite rare. It is also very powerful. CJ is a great role model for his tamariki and our students.”

August 17, 2023

Student who started at EIT | Te Pūkenga Trades Academy set to graduate with diploma | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 mins ago

Maata Morrell-Dzilic (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou) will graduate from EIT | Te Pūkenga with an NZ Diploma in Beauty Therapy [Level 5], and now runs her own business ‘Ma’s Beauty’.

Maata Morrell-Dzilic (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou) started at EIT | Te Pūkenga attending Trades Academy when she was still at school, now not only is she about to graduate with a Diploma in Beauty Therapy from EIT | Te Pūkenga, but she also has her own business.

Maata, 19, who was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, is of Māori and Muslim (Bosnian) heritage. She says she is excited to be graduating tomorrow (Friday 18 August) at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre in Hastings.

“I’m really excited because I’ve been dreaming of graduating ever since I started at EIT.”

That journey began when she was at school. She attended Kahu o Te Rangi Te Kōhanga Reo, Tauparanui Ki Heretaunga Te Kōhanga Reo and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngāti Kahungunu Ki Heretaunga prior to EIT | Te Pūkenga.

“When I was 15 years old, I was introduced to Trades Academy where high school students go to EIT every Friday. I just remember my teacher taking us around to all the departments. Once I got to the beauty department, I felt, ‘Okay, this is me. This is where I’m meant to be.’ That’s when I started here in the Trades Academy Beauty Services [Level 2].”

Maata then decided to leave school to study at EIT | Te Pūkenga full time.

Since then, Maata has completed the Makeup and Skin Care (Introduction) [Level 3], Beauty Therapy [Level 4] and NZ Diploma in Beauty Therapy [Level 5].

While studying, Maata also worked as an OSCAR Programme Assistant at House of Unity, with all her pay cheques being saved so that she could start her own business.

“Last year, I was 18, and that’s when I completed my diploma in beauty therapy, and that’s when I opened up my business, Ma’s Beauty.”

“I hope my story will inspire up and coming beauty therapists and entrepreneurs, but also the younger generation to follow their passion.”

Maata credits her tutors at EIT | Te Pūkenga for their knowledge and support.

“Their support was outstanding. Whenever you needed a hand with something, they’re just always there, which was really nice to have here.”

While she is looking forward to graduation where her family will be to support her, Maata’s focus is on her new business.

“Ma’s Beauty is currently home-based and I do the lot – nail services, massage services, brow and lash services, facial waxing, makeup, and facials.”

“The goal is to eventually have my own beauty therapy clinic in town, but to also eventually franchise out as well. Although I’ve made it this far, I still feel like I’ve got a long way to go.”

She does not rule out further study either.

“I will focus on my business, but then I wouldn’t mind looking at specialising more in skin and doing some business courses as well, just to help me have that foundation of how to eventually build a franchise.”

Jodee Reid, EIT | Te Pūkenga Beauty Therapy Lecturer/Programme Coordinator, says: “We are thrilled with the achievement of Maata after completing all three programmes within the beauty suite. “

“Maata’s drive and determination to excel in the beauty therapy industry was evident right from the start in her Trades Academy classes, and then in following the pathway programmes to the Diploma in Beauty Therapy. Despite the challenges and demands of studying during the height of the pandemic, Maata exhibited a relentless commitment to mastering each facet of the art and science of beauty therapy. Her passion and unwavering dedication have been a true inspiration to both her peers and tutors alike. “

“The team of tutors who have worked with Maata congratulate her and her fellow graduates on this momentous milestone, celebrating not only their exceptional accomplishments but also the resilience and tenacity that have fuelled their journey. As Maata embarks on the next chapter of her career, we are confident that her boundless drive will continue to propel her to new heights which will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the beauty industry.”

August 16, 2023

EIT | Te Pūkenga Valedictorian credits studying for putting his life back on track after rugby career in France | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 mins ago

Ausage Fomai will graduate with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science from EIT | Te Pūkenga on Friday. He is also Valedictorian at one of the ceremonies in Hawke’s Bay on Friday.

When Ausage Fomai returned home from playing rugby in France he was struggling with a number of issues, but now not only is he graduating from EIT | Te Pūkenga, he is also Valedictorian at one of the Hawke’s Bay ceremonies on Friday (18 August).

Ausage, 34, will graduate with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science from EIT | Te Pūkenga at the graduation ceremony at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre, in Hastings on Friday afternoon.

He was born in Auckland, but grew up in Hawke’s Bay, attending Hastings Boys’ High. A promising rugby player, Ausage went overseas to first play American Gridiron in Australia and then over to France, where he played for US Meyzieu Rugby Club near Lyon.

“When I came back from France, I actually had nothing to my name, no legacy. I was struggling with quite a few things.”

“My first thought was that my older brother Tivaini had gone through EIT and I saw that he was a teacher, and then I just thought that I’ll try, ‘maybe I could be a teacher one day’.”

“My first pursuit was to become a teacher like him and then, along that journey I found myself leaning towards more of the community side of things.”

“I had pretty much nothing and I just wanted to change the direction for my family and my three children.”

It has worked out well for Ausage as he has found his calling in life – working to uplift the Pasifika community.

“Last year in my final year of study, my full-year project was to use exercise to strengthen a relationship between parent and child for the Pasifika people. So, I did that study, and now I’m doing that full-time this year with a business we started up while I was studying called WOWbeing. Now I’m a director in the business.”

The WOW in WOWbeing stands for Wellbeing of Whānau.

“I set the company up with my older brother Tivaini, who did the degree in sport and rec, and then went on to do a teaching post grad. We also linked up with another set of brothers, Davis and Tyson Ataera. We used my project from my degree as our first programme of four in what we call the Journey to Prosperity.”

“I was proactive when I was studying so even though it was busy, I still just made the right connections with people. And our heart is for our Pasifika people.”

For now, Ausage is focused on graduating and his Valedictorian speech. He describes being selected as Valedictorian as surprise and an honour.

He plans to use his Valedictorian speech to encourage his fellow graduands to pursue their dreams.

“I stepped out of my comfort zone to create something that wasn’t there, so I will tell them to ‘Just dream big and nothing’s impossible’.”

Ausage says his family is looking forward to supporting him at the graduation, but unfortunately his brother Neria will not be able to attend as he is flying out to France on the same day to represent Manu Samoa at the Rugby World Cup.

Neria started the studying journey with Ausage and ended up completing his NZ Certificate in Exercise.

“Unfortunately he won’t be here. He plays for the Magpies in Hawke’s Bay, but he has been selected to go to the World Cup with the Manu Samoa team. So, that’s him now,” says Ausage.

Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart, Head of School Health and Sport Science at EIT | Te Pūkenga, says: “We are so proud of all our 2023 graduates. They have successfully studied and balanced life commitments faced with the added challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have shown incredible resilience, determination, and adaptability in the face of unprecedented circumstances.”

“We are moved by the passion and work of Ausage and his team in Pacific communities. They have and are working to continue to make a difference in the lives of their people by tackling some of the biggest challenges around health disparities. The skills that Ausage has developed during his studies are now allowing him to create positive change. Ausage was an obvious choice as Valedictorian to represent his peers; his journey is inspiring and we are honoured to see him graduate from EIT | Te Pūkenga.”

August 16, 2023

Newly refurbished Waikato IDI Lab a catalyst for fostering academic-industry collaboration

Source: University of Waikato – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Newly refurbished Waikato IDI Lab a catalyst for fostering academic-industry collaboration

The University of Waikato re-opened its newly refurbished Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) Lab; the lab is the only one in the country based at a university campus and is therefore, uniquely placed as a catalyst for innovation in research within the tertiary sector.

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