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"Whaia e koe te iti
Kahurangi;
Ki te tuohu koe me
Maunga teitei"

Seek that which is precious; if you bow down let it be to a lofty mountain.
Follow the pursuit of excellence, if you fail in your quest let it be to an
insurmountable obstacle.
  

Mission/Kaupapa

The mission of the Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) is to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence in vocational education providing applied tertiary education to empower individuals to succeed in first or developing workplace roles in professions, para-professions, trades and technician areas; undertaking applied research that benefits industries and professions; and providing our communities with knowledge and skills to assist social and economic development.

We recognise that by the very nature of the knowledge society and economy successful participation means the ability and personal commitment by individuals to develop their capabilities to the highest potential throughout their life.

We stand for a set of values which we believe define and enhance our role as a vocational provider in a complex tertiary education environment. These values include:

• Partnership
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Relevance and applicability of learning
• Respect
• Excellence
• Critical enquiry and academic freedom
• Creativity and innovation
• Inclusiveness
• Sustainability
• Learner-centred environment
• Recognition of diversity

We recognise that the acquisition, management and deployment of knowledge embedded in lifelong learning are key competitive advantages for New Zealand both economically and culturally. By providing skills and knowledge to national and international customers, we contribute to the economic and social growth of the Wellington region, New Zealand and to the global, knowledge economy.

WelTec is our students, staff and Council.

Our partners in achieving our mission are: -

• Our alumni
• Employers and business
• Local, regional and national government
• Tangata whenua
• Primary and Secondary Schools
• Our communities, defined by geographical, cultural or other characteristics
• National and International Industry and Professional Bodies
• Industry Training Organisations
• Other providers within the tertiary education system.
   

Special Character

WelTec's special character is built on a 100-year-old reputation for successfully meeting the applied learning needs of individuals, community, industry and professions, and the lifelong vocational learning needs of individuals, including those of students who have not traditionally engaged in post-school education or who have felt alienated from the traditional structures of education.

Distinctively among Universities and Polytechnics, we cater for the needs of people already in employment who make up 50% of our student body. This distinctiveness brings benefits to both those students and those whose studies will lead them to seek employment.

It is further defined by a commitment to partnering with industry, employers, professions and our communities to develop and deliver applied education and research solutions that balance New Zealand's strategic position, imperatives for economic and social growth, and unique identity. In considering our approach, we take account of New Zealand's:

> Small size and remoteness, making it dependent on ideas and knowledge management; and
> Democratic and practical heritage.

WelTec's niche is to produce graduates who:

• Combine high level technical ability with creative/entrepreneurial thinking (i.e. "gold collar" workers, overcoming the traditional dichotomy between "white collar" and "blue collar"),
• Are able to learn throughout life, and
• Add value to their workplace, community, the region and their nation.

We currently have national standing in several areas owing both to elements of specialisation and to the incorporation of national provision previously fulfilled by the Central Institute of Technology.

Our teaching/learning delivery is currently structured in Schools which align closely with particular Industries; Centres, which provide environments for emerging combinations of industries/professions which we believe reflect regional growth points; and Virtual Centres which focus high level research and development.

In all the above areas, our stakeholders as partners play a critical leading and guiding role in relation to curriculum, delivery, and workplace and strategic relevance.
 

Contribution to New Zealand's Identity and Economic,
Social and Cultural Development

WelTec recognises that developing the skills and the lifelong learning capacity of all New Zealanders is essential for New Zealand to develop economically, socially and culturally. New Zealand's human and intellectual capital is its greatest asset and we recognise that it is best nourished through informed and educated citizens fulfilling their goals, vocational and professional development, and contributing to social, economic and cultural development.

WelTec's programmes build on a broad base of trades, technical and professional education. Students' learning includes practical and current workplace experience and involvement, through innovation and research projects, internships, and placements.

In our graduates, technical, professional and applied skills are supported by the development of generic skills . Our programmes staircase from certificate to degree providing the skills and knowledge identified as necessary by the industries we serve. Programmes are developed by liaising closely with our students, with employers and industry/professional bodies nationally and within the region.

WelTec supports and works with the local communities particularly those of the Hutt Valley and Wellington but also in consultation with Whitireia Community Polytechnic, provides a supplementary and complementary service in Porirua/Kapiti.

In addition, we provide programmes supporting skills development to enable students to engage with the education system. These include foundation skills programmes in both general and vocational education, and English language support for new immigrants and the international community.

WelTec recognises that meeting the development needs of Maori and Pacific peoples is particularly important for New Zealand's social and economic development. Liaison staff and partnerships with Iwi (Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui) and the Aotearoa Maori Providers of Training Education and Employment (AMPTEE) are used to ensure these groups share in the development of our programmes and services. These have included providing cultural, pastoral, and learning support services and Maori and Pacific learning spaces.

WelTec also recognises the important role we have in supporting the achievement of students with disabilities and students for whom English is a second language including those already qualified in other areas, by ensuring equal opportunities and access to tertiary education.

A key feature of our contribution to New Zealand's identity and economic, social and cultural development is our programme of applied research. The significant feature of this programme is its focus on problem solving and seeking innovative solutions to industry community issues.

New Zealand's identity in the world includes a long respected reputation for providing technical, language and business education to people from other nations. WelTec plays a specific role in offering internationally credible technical, professional and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) qualifications to immigrants, refugees, and international students.
 

Contribution to the Tertiary System

As a Centre of Excellence in Vocational Education WelTec is clear about its role and responsibility in the tertiary education system.

We are clearly niched at levels 2-7 on the National Qualifications Framework, with the majority of offerings at levels 3-6.

We give:

• Learners who lack confidence, self-reliance and learning skills.
• Practical, vocationally oriented learners, lifelong learning skills and a relevant
  education.
• People already in work, effective and efficient opportunities to learn, to grow their skills and acquire skills to access and evaluate information that will equip them for their lives.
• Applied teaching and research aimed at providing innovative solutions to real problems.
• All students, respected qualifications.

WelTec fosters a framework of pathways and articulation agreements that enable students to either acquire a full range of qualifications they need within WelTec or to transition with full credit recognition into other providers. We facilitate lifelong learning through formal articulation agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with other providers including Te Runanganui O Taranaki Whanui Ki Te Upoko O Te Ika A Maui and the Aotearoa Maori Providers of Training Education and Employment (AMPTEE), Universities, Polytechnics, Private Training Establishments and Wananga.
 

Approach to Collaboration and Co-operation with Other Tertiary Education Providers and Organisations

We seek and pursue whatever collaborative relationship will make our services most accessible and relevant to our customers and stakeholders.

We collaborate with other regional national and international organisations:

• For benchmarking and quality enhancement,
• To enhance international access,
• To grow regional efficiency and coherence of provision,
• To meet specific industry needs,
• To provide workplace and industry-based solutions,
• To optimise the school/post-school transition,
• To support the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi,
• To augment agencies charged directly with economic and social development,
• To assist the growth and health of communities,
• Where employers see particular value in mixed polytechnic/university delivery, and
• With the intention to provide internationally credible qualifications and pathways for learning.

We work with Industry Training Organisations as appropriate to develop and implement strategic training plans.

We commit ourselves to working collaboratively with the other TEIs in our region to deliver optimal information, access, and learning pathways for all students.

Wherever appropriate we will jointly consult stakeholders so as to facilitate joint and common responses to stakeholder needs and priorities.

We will attempt to ensure that the tertiary education system is aligned with regional goals, achieves those goals as efficiently as possible, and is responsive to the needs of the communities.
 

Approach To Fulfilling Te Tiriti O Waitangi Obligations

WelTec is committed to all principles of Te Tiriti and most immediately will put into effect Principle 4* which encourages the Principle of Reasonable Co-operation. WelTec is committed to Te Tiriti through:

• Learning and respect for tikanga-a-iwi.
• Partnership (through partnership arrangements to ensure tertiary education is effectively provided within both campus and cultural settings).
• Shared decision making (through direct participation on our Council) and at all levels of WelTec's operations as appropriate.
• Protection of taonga (through a commitment to teach Te Reo Maori and nga tikanga as part of our portfolio of programmes).

We are committed to empowering not only individual Maori students but also the organisations and groups in our communities which work to facilitate their learning.

Ways in which this partnership will be expressed include the Memorandum of Understanding with Te Runanganui O Taranaki Whanui Ki Te Upoko O Te Ika A Maui and AMPTEE, the establishment of a Wahanga Maori with broad responsibilities and advisory powers; and partnerships with Maori providers to staircase learners into and beyond WelTec and to ensure that our Maori students achieve at the highest level.
 

Approach to Meeting the Needs of Pacific Peoples

WelTec is committed to providing Pacific learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to support their own aspirations and the economic development of New Zealand and the Pacific nations.

Through its Pacific Students Education Adviser (Fale'i ma'ae Fanau Ako Pasifiki) and the Pasifiki Centre, WelTec has established a forum to facilitate engagement with our Pacific students and community groups.

WelTec plans to establish an Advisory group with representatives from the 5 main ethnic groups in its commitment to working closely with the Pacific community in the Wellington/Hutt region.
 

Approach to Meeting the Educational Needs of Learners

We believe that the needs of learners today will be best met by education that is ubiquitous, continuous, consumer-driven, quality assured and outcomes-oriented. WelTec is committed to meeting the learning needs of school leavers, fulltime students and employed people through the following particular foci: -

• We aim to deliver in ways to suit learners through: -
  • 24 hour, 7 day a week, 50 weeks per year access,
  • Part-time/flexible/modular/on job learning, and
  • Workplace learning centres.
• We support learners by providing: -
  • Quality courses/programmes,
  • Self development and career plans,
  • Education plans,
  • Individualised learning support,
  • Information on study and lifelong learning options,
  • Workplace assignments/placements,
  • Recognition of Current Competence (RCC),
  • Resources and support for disadvantaged students and those with disabilities,
  • Diagnostic testing to identify needs, and
  • Foundation/bridging courses.
• We aim to meet culturally specific needs for: -
  • Maori,
  • Pacific Island, and
  • International students.
    Through culturally appropriate course components and support mechanisms.
• We aim to offer valued, recognised relevant qualifications that are: -
  • Internationally recognised,
  • Portable,
  • Flexible, and
  • Modular.
     

Approach To Ensuring That WelTec Develops And Supports A Staff Profile That Reflects Mission And Special Character

We seek to have our staff profile broadly reflective of the population in terms of ethnic and gender mix, and reflecting the industries and communities, we serve.

Our staff will demonstrate leadership in their fields, innovation, commitment and excellence in teaching, scholarship/research, and in industry/professional expertise, and passion.

We support staff to equip themselves through professional development, scholarship, consultancy, industry involvement, and research to contribute to both teaching advancement and to industry/professional reputation within the industries we serve.

We recognise and will protect academic freedom for all staff.

An Equal Employment Opportunities Plan is in place and monitored and reported on.
 

Governance And Management Structures And Principles

The principles that underlie these structures and practices include: -

• Transparency, openness and accountability,
• Structures and activities that contribute to the Institute's and national strategy as well as to the organisation's financial health and viability,
• Governance structure and makeup that reflects our overriding principles of partnership,
• Risk management policies, processes and reporting systems which target and manage significant strategic, operational and financial risks,
• Commitment to operating in a financially responsible manner through the efficient use of resources to ensure the Institute's long-term viability through the generation of sufficient surpluses on financial operations.

We utilise performance management with both quality and quantity measures to monitor and report our performance. In doing this, we recognise the requirements of the Public Finance Act.

This Charter has been approved by the Council of the Wellington Institute of Technology. 

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