Coastal shipping in Aotearoa New Zealand is heading for a phase of strong rejuvenation and students of New Zealand Maritime School are in a prime position to move into high skilled, well paid, locally-based careers as a result.

On Saturday 1 October, MIT is taking a big step towards the future of vocational education in Aotearoa by officially joining Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

“That’s mean,” says a school student cycling past where Jonny 4Higher’s latest work is taking shape in South Mall, Manurewa. “It’s nice to get a bit of colour around the place,” says a woman off to do her shopping at the nearby supermarket.

If you’ve seen Master Chef, you’ll know how it works. Ninety minutes to create two dishes to be dissected and critiqued by a panel of top judges with the chance to win a prize package and a prestigious title.

Manukau Institute of Technology’s Hairdressing School is now part of Sustainable Salons, a trans-Tasman movement that rescues 95% of salon resources from landfill for community benefit.

Recently, Musuiaiga (“Musu”) Neil Tapu Sitagata was humbled to be chosen as tulāfale (orator) to speak on behalf of Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa in Aotearoa and then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Samoa as the two countries celebrated sixty years of diplomatic relations.

When Tech Park was developed, MIT needed a tool store room to inspire the next generation of apprentices. Together with NZSafetyBlackwoods and Milwaukee Power Tools, the institute delivered a treasure trove of the latest circular saws, drills, cordless rivet guns, grinders, orbital sanders and impact wrenches showcased at the heart of the complex, presented in an eye-catching set up that is user friendly for both staff and students.

The largest ship simulation centre in the Southern Hemisphere has been expanded to teach a critical skill for survival at sea.

Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau will come alive this week as we celebrate the success of MIT graduates in a challenging year.

Four Auckland secondary schools will now offer students an option to enrol in P-TECH, a public education model designed by educators and the private sector to address the STEM skills gap. These schools will collaborate with companies that will provide students with mentorships, worksite visits, and paid internships.