Co-leaders of Te Pūkenga Rohe 1 (Region 1), Toa Faneva and Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga were welcomed into their new roles at a pōwhiri at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae on Monday 1 May. A large group of manuhiri and whānau, including kaimahi, iwi representatives from the Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau regions and Te Pūkenga leadership gathered to acknowledge this important step in implementing the new regional structure.
Chief Executive Peter Winder said it was a really important day in terms of the progress we are making as Te Pūkenga network.
“Welcoming our first regional co-leaders is a huge step forward and I’m absolutely thrilled we have been able to make these appointments. Running through what they have done is a deep sense of service, community and humility.”
Toa encouraged kaimahi to have a real consciousness about what it means to feel heard, seen and be comfortable in their skin for our ākonga (students) as they search for their mātauranga for the wellbeing of their whānau.
“That is one of our biggest challenges. We are up for it in terms of how we mirimiri, awhi and tautoko them in their learning journey.”
Peseta Sam noted the occasion was a significant one. “We have a co-leadership model in place at one of the highest levels in terms of public entities. It’s one we believe in. At its core are our values. Manawa nui (We reach out and welcome in). Manawa roa (We learn and achieve together). Manawa ora (We strengthen and grow the whole person). Those are the things that drive us in our everyday work,” he said.
Rohe 1 | Region 1 includes Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) and Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), employing around 2,500 kaimahi and responsible for the learning of more than 60,000 ākonga.
Thank you to everyone involved in organising and hosting the pōwhiri. Our Marae team once again demonstrated wonderful manaakitanga, extending a warm welcome to the group.
