Partnerships key to success

Waiariki chief executive Margaret Noble (back left) and council chairman Graeme Nahkies address stakeholders at the Waiariki function. Photo / Ben Fraser

Waiariki Institute of Technology is celebrating its achievements of the last year at their annual stakeholders update function.

The event at Mokoia Campus last night was also about maintaining their strong relationships with businesses, iwi and the community.

Waiariki chief executive Professor Margaret Noble said the evening's theme was partnering for success.

"Partnership and collaboration lies at the heart of what we do at Waiariki and without your support we would not be in the position we are today of being a strong institute of technology serving the needs of our region and its communities, while also playing an important role in contributing to the national economy and to international export goals," she said.

"The continuing success in the number of students successfully completing their programmes and component courses and moving on into employment and further study is, I believe, a strong sign that we are meeting our goal of being known for our capability to develop individual potential and enabling our students to excel, and strong regional links with business, iwi and the community."

Professor Noble said they continued to see improvement in course qualification completion and in the narrowing of the achievement gap between Maori and Pasifika students and all other learners. "In 2013 qualification achievement improved by 7 per cent, retention and progression by 4 per cent each and course completion by 2 per cent. The achievement gap between Maori and all other learners narrowed by 4-10 per cent and this year we expect to see this further reducing.

"Our student experience is linked to our emphasis on developing our students as employable graduates. Currently over 80 per cent of our students are in employment or further study six months after graduation, and we are committed to continuing to expand the way in which our students can work with industry and the community to develop their employability skills."

A student satisfaction survey was conducted earlier this year and more than 1000 students responded.

"More than 85 per cent of our students said that they were satisfied with their programme of study and praised the dedicated work of our tutors and also the way in which the programme had enabled them to grow and to develop as individuals.

"The survey of course also identified areas where we can continue to improve and a key aim for the institution is to continue to respond to student feedback and to ensure that all of our students have a really strong learning experience."