Centre looks for new partners

NEW TRAINEES: Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre tutors Te Whare Tihema (far right) and Farrell Tihema (second from right) welcome some of the Korongata Marae scheme students to their marae-based agricultural training. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre is casting a wide net for partners across New Zealand to help deliver marae-based agricultural training schemes.

Yvonne Way, centre marketing and communications manager, said Korongata Marae in Bridge Pa, Hastings, was the latest after Papawai Marae in Greytown to this year partner with Taratahi in an agricultural training scheme.

"We're very open to having conversations around partnerships because we see marae-based training as having huge benefits for trainees and their communities."

In June this year the centre partnered with Greytown's Papawai Marae and Kuranui College to deliver the Ringa Raupa, Ringa Ahuwhenua (Industrious Hands, Agricultural Hands) programme for 12 college students on farmland adjoining the marae.

The scheme formed part of the Primary Industries Trades Academy (PITA) training programme funded by the Ministry of Education and aimed to give students "real training on real farms", Ms Way said.

The programme, which stressed Maori links to the land and "the idea of using our hands and hard work to create success", included a blend of agricultural skills and Maori cultural components such as whaikorero (oratory), pepeha (links to the land) and waiata (song) and will cover modules on motorcycles, quad bikes, fencing, agrichemicals, and livestock.

Korongata Marae and Taratahi will together deliver the 14-week National Certificate in Agriculture General Skills Level 2 programme, which marae members believe is a unique opportunity for the Bridge Pa community and the wider Hawke's Bay area.

Korongata Marae chairman Kevin Tamati said Ngati Poporo whanau had for a long time worked in the primary industry and "most families in Bridge Pa were shearing contractors who have been fortunate to have the Maori Agricultural College in their community for a number of years".

"This partnership with Taratahi and Korongata Marae provides a great opportunity for young Maori from our community to upskill and contribute back to the workforce," he said.

Taratahi chief executive Dr Donovan Wearing said the aim of the scheme was to introduce trainees to the sector and spur further study or employment.

"This is an introductory qualification which we believe will inspire students into further study or employment in all areas of agriculture.

"The industry is facing a skills shortage and is crying out for qualified workers with top attitude and aptitude. This initiative is a great first step for anyone who is passionate about getting into agriculture and working with their whanau on farm."

The Taratahi philosophy of "real training on real farms" was supported by Korongata Marae and farmers in the area, who also have opened their farms to trainees.

Taratahi tutors Te Whare Tihema and Farrell Tihema, of Ngati Poporo, will be lead tutors on the scheme, which will allow them to share their agricultural experiences with students as they train.

"I can see the benefits this programme will bring to our community and our young people ..." Te Whare Tihema said.

Other marae in Wairarapa or Hawke's Bay that are interested in agricultural training in their community can contact Te Whare Tihema at Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre on 0800 037 449.