New Zealand Beekeeper May 2017

9

NEW ZEALAND BEEKEEPER, MAY 2017

EDUCATION AND SKILLS FOR JOBS FOCUS GROUP UNDER WAY FOCUS GROUP REPORTS: EDUCATION AND SKILLS FOR JOBS Stuart Fraser, Chair, ApiNZ Education and Skills for Jobs Focus Group

When the first meeting for this focus group was held in April, I was very appreciative of the depth of thinking that had already taken place within the industry in relation to our future training needs.

Ceremony for Apiculture Level 2 Training tauira

We have a great team on board, and will be looking to expand our contacts to ensure the industry gets the best possible platform to build upon. One of the critical issues facing our industry is the shortage of skilled people in our industry and the availability of ongoing training pathways for people. Our aim is to produce a National Standard for Training that we can all be proud to be a part of in future. I should admit here to being somewhat overly ambitious around a potential timeframe for preparation and potential delivery options, but am reconsidering this because of the wealth of experience available to call upon. The focus group will meet as frequently as possible prior to the ApiNZ conference and beyond, to ensure we get as much information together as the industry can offer. We are also looking to other industry experiences to make sure we pick the very best training options available. I wish to thank the focus group team for their open-minded and positive approach to our first of many productive meetings.

The Waikato Māori Beekeepers Charitable Trust recently held a small ceremony to acknowledge the tauira that participated in the Apiculture Level 2 Training. Chair Kyle Hunter was especially pleased with the effort made to travel great distances for the training over a period of many months. Trustee Karleen Turner Puriri provided inspiration by highlighting the range of opportunities beekeepers have to innovate, add value by getting closer to the customer and contribute to the future of the industry. The Trust committee thanked the tauira for their dedication. A special thank you was also made in recognition of the mahi contributed by the team at the Waikato-Tainui Nursery and support from Te Puni Kokiri, Primary ITO, Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust, Coast to Coast Queens, Whaimanawa and head trainer Warren Yorston. The success of the training that targeted Māori land owners has been the establishment of whanau enterprises focused on working broadly across apiculture.

The Waikato Maori Beekeepers Charitable Trust, with Minister of Maori Development Te Ururoa Flavell. Sitting, left to right: The Hon Te Ururoa Flavell, Matua Taki Turner. Standing, left to right: Michelle Paki, Bob Pene, Uncle Barm Turner, Avie Tuteao, Aunty Tilly Turner, Kyle Hunter, Warren Yorsten, Karleen Turner Puriri, Tammy Tauroa, Lee Tane.

Karleen Turner Puriri (Trustee), Aunty Tilly Turner (Nursery Manager), Michelle Paki (Trustee), Kyle Hunter (Trustee), Warren Yorsten (Trainer), Avie Tuteao (Trustee), Amanda Pu (Trustee) Lee Tane (Waikato Raupatu River Trust). Photo supplied by Karleen Turner Puriri.

Made with FlippingBook Annual report