22 July 2013 New partnership offers real-world potential

Lincoln University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā of the southern Waikato to develop an agricultural training centre at the former Maungatautari School, utilising the Pohara Trust farms as training facilities.

The Memorandum of Understanding aims to explore options to equip students with skills in practical farming and will award successful participants with a Lincoln University ‘LincolnFirst’ qualification, such as a Certificate in Farming (Practices).

The move is seen as a positive one for not only providing members of Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā with skills conducive for entry into the workforce, but for delivering training in an industry that is feeling the pinch from a serious lack of skilled graduates, yet is rich in opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā spokesman and settlement negotiator, Willie Te Aho, is grateful to Lincoln University for accepting the invitation to deliver LincolnFirst qualifications alongside the Iwi.

“Iwi of Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā have a long tradition of farming, but we need to ensure that we have succession plans in place to manage and govern our land-based businesses,” says Mr Te Aho.

“We also need to ensure our people have opportunities for growth and advancement. The agreement with Lincoln University provides a great opportunity in this regard; particularly as it is aligned to New Zealand’s number one industry,” he said.

It is proposed that the programme will get underway later in the year, with an initial intake of approximately ten students expected. However, the objective is to grow numbers considerably, look to incorporate other Iwi, and expand the range of training and educational pathways available.

Lincoln University’s Vice-Chancellor and long-time Cambridge resident, Dr Andrew West, says that “it’s a privilege for Lincoln University to be working alongside such motivated and passionate Iwi. Providing training of this nature not only reinforces our focus in the North Island, but is in tune with Lincoln University’s specialist orientation toward, and commitment to, New Zealand’s land-based industries.”

Lincoln University’s primary campus is based in the town of Lincoln in Canterbury, with its Telford division located in Balclutha. The University’s North Island interests include eight staff in Fielding and Hamilton respectively, and two staff in Kaitaia. However, Dr West has signalled an intention to expand the University’s North Island presence over the coming months and years, with announcements on new developments to follow soon.