MIT and Unitec kaimahi came together for the final workshop to co-create an applied research strategy for our combined organisation.
The session was held at Manukau campus on Wednesday 28 January and built on the mahi of two previous workshops delivered late last year.
- The third of three workshops was held at Manukau Campus.
Dr Rosanne Ellis, Director Research and Enterprise – Tāmaki, has been leading the process to develop our Rautaki Rangahau: Applied Research Strategy with organisational culture expert, Dr Galia BarHava.
Dr Ellis says the process has been inspiring.
“What made me feel so proud of our new organisation was the excitement and energy in all of the workshops. So many people came up to me and said, ‘I’m so energised about research and getting into it’.
“We took a co-creation approach which is when those who will champion and ultimately deliver our strategy, are intimately involved in its development from the outset. We have also included ākonga (learners) and non-active research kaimahi to broaden the input.“After the first two workshops, it became clear that our strategy would be focused on benefits to ākonga, their whānau, communities and our industry partners. That includes our communities across Tāmaki Makaurau| Auckland as well as those throughout the Pacific and South-East Asia.
“On Wednesday, the objective was to define applied vocational research and framing the definition for what that means for those who will benefit. It was impressive to see such talent across so many disciplines from our institution collaborating with enthusiasm and energy.
“In addition to the strategy there are things that we can action immediately. Those include research speed-dating, connect events, a virtual research hub, online workshops and a shared calendar of research activities. We will also be celebrating our research and researchers to the wider public through various communications and social media channels.
“Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-liga’s opening remarks were amazing and really resonated with attendees.”
- Organisational culture expert, Dr Galia BarHava (left) and Dr Rosanne Ellis have led the workshops.
Mr Lotu-liga acknowledged Dr Ellis for her leadership.
“In the few short months you’ve been our director, you’ve lifted our gaze to the power and impact that research plays here.
“As MIT and Unitec come together, research is not and should not be an add-on. It is central to our long-term success and is part of a kaupapa.
“It will shape how we partner with industry, Māori and Pacific communities, how we respond to the needs of our partners, how we innovate for Aotearoa New Zealand and how we attract top talent and opportunity.”
- Associate Professor Jocelyn Williams (left) and Aiono Manu Fa’aea, MIT’s Senior Pasifika Manager – Pasifika Development Office (right).
One of the workshop attendees was Associate Professor Jocelyn Williams, Manager of Te Puna Ako at Unitec.
Experienced in applied community research, she was previously Head of Academic Partnerships at MIT and Head of the Communication Studies Department at Unitec. She says she really enjoyed a sense of purpose as a single institute.
“Rather than focusing on issues or problems, we’re now looking at being one larger group of capable people who can creatively build something in a collaborative way that is purposeful and positive. I feel that the underlying dynamic of the day was that people are enjoying sharing a vision and putting it into words,” she says.
“For me it’s triggered a desire to get more actively involved. Applied research is totally my space and a lot of us have contributed in that space.
“There’s a desire to get on with it. There is a clearer kaupapa now. One organisation. We can come together to lend our strengths to that future.”
Aiono Manu Fa’aea, MIT’s Senior Pasifika Manager – Pasifika Development Office, says the workshops were very well organised.
“It was a good mix from MIT and Unitec and from different disciplines and levels of leadership and management,” she says.
“It all went well because you had the time to focus and listen to everyone’s drivers and contributions. There were so many commonalities, and I came away with a real feeling of hope in the Waka Hourua approach.”
- From left: Pip Schollum-Manase MIT General Manager Schools, James Oldfield Unitec Digital Learning Manager, Genevieve Sang-Yum – Unitec Lecturer Social Practice and Dr Maureen Fepuleai MIT Lecturer Health and Counselling.
Dr Ellis and her team will do further work on the outputs from the workshops to develop Rautaki Rangahau: Applied Research Strategy. That is expected to be completed by late-March with further opportunities for kaimahi to provide feedback before its finalised.