Unitec Board Chair Robert Reid sent the below message earlier this week:
Tēnā koutou katoa
On behalf of the Board, I am writing to let you know the timing for our move into Te Pūkenga.
Following the decision of Te Pūkenga Council and engagement with sector chairs and chief executives, the timing for ITP subsidiaries transitioning into Te Pūkenga has been finalised.
As a result, Unitec will transition to Te Pūkenga on 1 October, 2022.
The decision enables us to complete the transition process before our very busy end of year processes and activities and the Christmas closedown period.
In essence, other than the change of employer, the impact of transition will be minimal for kaimahi and ākonga for the rest of 2022. On 1 October 2022, we will continue to do what we do now – our roles, line managers and teams will remain the same.
What will transition mean for Unitec as an organisation?
- Unitec will cease to exist as a legal entity and all roles and structures will move into Te Pūkenga as they are now.
- The Board will be dissolved and Gus and Keith will report to Te Pūkenga Acting Chief Executive.
- Kaimahi will transition to being employed by Te Pūkenga, rather than Unitec, on exactly the same terms and conditions as you are on now, and all existing contractual, financial, regulatory and statutory obligations will transfer to Te Pūkenga.
- Our trading name will be “Te Pūkenga trading as Unitec” until further notice.
What will this mean for Unitec staff?
- All Unitec kaimahi will be offered employment with Te Pūkenga, with no change to roles, reporting lines, or terms and conditions below our Executive. This will also apply to fixed term and casual staff whose Employment Agreements extend beyond 1 October 2022.
- Staff will retain their current manager and team structure.
- Kaimahi will receive a letter offering employment with Te Pūkenga. This offer will need to be signed and returned to Unitec’s HR team. You’ll receive further details on this process soon.
Our leadership team and our values will remain in place. The strategic direction, strategies and plans for Unitec continue in their current capacity.
Will this change the outcome of the Proposed Organisational Direction and Design that Te Pūkenga is currently engaging on?
No. This move does not impact the work or consultation on Te Pūkenga Proposed Organisational Direction and Design.
I encourage all staff to remain engaged in the process and take up the opportunities to provide feedback. The first engagement on the proposed model began this week.
Next steps
We are working closely with our mana whenua partners and kaimahi to decide how our transition from Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka to Te Pūkenga will be formally acknowledged. We’ll let you know about this soon.
Support available
As a Board, we understand kaimahi have been involved in a long period of change in recent years, as well as the ups and downs of Covid-19. We understand the importance of timely and clear communication with staff at this time and continue to focus on the wellness of our kaimahi through change.
Unitec’s Employment Assistance Programme offers a range of support services free of charge. You can access this by calling 0800 360 364 or book online at: http://www.eapservices.co.nz/booking.
You will receive further information on the transition directly from Te Pūkenga as well as from our Executive team. Please make sure you read these communications. If you have any further questions about what is happening, please email chiefexecutive@unitec.ac.nz.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication, commitment and passion for achieving the best outcomes for our learners through this transition.
Ngā manaakitanga
Robert Reid
Unitec Board Chair