For many Southlanders, the path into education, training or employment is not always straightforward. The Kia Tū Pathway Planning programme is helping change that by giving people the confidence, guidance and support to explore their strengths, identify opportunities and take positive steps towards the future.
Kia Tū helps connect learners with practical experiences and real opportunities across Murihiku Southland, giving them a clearer view of where their next steps could lead.
The programme’s strength lies in its collaborative approach, bringing together local leadership, cultural connection and community knowledge of Hokonui Rūnanga through Murihiku Regeneration and the Anamata Māia service, with Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) providing education pathways, learning support and opportunities for further study. It’s also supported by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), local employers and community organisations.
Murihiku Regeneration’s Education and Training Workstream Lead, Ivan Hodgetts, who developed the Kia Tū concept, says the programme provides a context in which learners are invited to build a sense of hope and purpose.
“Kia Tū was created to help people explore their aspirations and identify meaningful pathways into training, employment and life opportunities within the region,” he says. “When learners discover what is possible for themselves and their whānau, and have the right support around them, they are far more likely to take that next step with confidence.”
Kia Tū takes learners through a three-step journey: building awareness of opportunities, identifying options that align with their strengths and interests, and developing a practical pathway plan that can be put into action. Participants learn about training available through SIT, explore local industries and employers, and gain a clearer understanding of the skills, confidence and capability needed for opportunities available in Southland.
As a recent arrival to Southland, Daniel Minani says he learned a lot about New Zealand culture in the Kia Tū course, which has given him a new-found confidence.
He recalls one very good example was understanding eye contact in New Zealand. “Where I’m from (Democratic Republic of Congo) to look someone straight in the eye is considered disrespectful,” he explains, “But tutors told us that’s how we know someone is trustworthy. They taught us how to operate in the real world.” Daniel adds they practised making eye contact with classmates and tutors and conducted mock interviews “It helped me with a job interview,” he says, which secured him a casual labouring role for a couple of months.
He admits it took a little while to gain confidence using his new skill. “To begin with, it was a little uncomfortable, but we did lots of exercises; we practised with other tutors; we also learned how to shake hands.”
Daniel says being able to make eye contact has been a positive, confidence-building experience. “I’ve found it’s another mode of communication to look at somebody’s eyes and see how they are feeling. It really does help a lot.”
Alongside practical advice to help him succeed, Daniel also appreciated the level of care from tutors on the course.
“They gave me a perspective on how life is in New Zealand. They showed us there are steps for everything and that I could plan and make a future for myself. They gave me eyes for how my life could be.”
Kia Tū has helped Daniel to progress onto the New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3), which means a lot to him. “It has been my childhood dream... getting a place on the course; it's been wonderful.”
Since it began, almost 200 learners have participated in the Kia Tū Pathway Planning micro-credential; a recent cohort saw all 16 learners successfully complete the programme, demonstrating its ability to support diverse groups into positive next steps.
Employer and community partner involvement is essential to Kia Tū’s success. Learners gain exposure to the industries, workplaces and infrastructure which connects classroom learning with real-world opportunities. Programme excursions include visits to sites such as SouthPort, White Hill Wind Farm and Manapōuri Power Station.
Kia Tū Pathway Planning Tutor, Keri-lee Kairau, says “One of the most rewarding parts of Kia Tū is seeing people realise they are capable of far more than they initially believed. As confidence grows, so do the opportunities available to them.”
Lara Hawkins enrolled in the Kia Tū programme last year as a favour to a friend. "I didn't actually know anything about the course. It was my friend who was going, and she didn't want to do it by herself."
At the time, Lara was unemployed and recovering from health challenges and was uncertain she was well enough to participate. As she settled into the programme, Lara discovered the course was about far more than gaining practical skills. Through teamwork, workplace visits and presentations, she gradually began to develop confidence and a stronger belief in herself.
"I was quite a shy person, quite reserved, and I feel like the course helped me get more involved with the teamwork in class and build confidence with speaking."
A key influence for Lara was Tutor, Keri-lee. "Keri-lee is one of the best teachers I've ever had. She is so caring and so kind."
The encouragement helped Lara to face one of her biggest fears on the course. "One of the main things was public speaking. I hate public speaking," she laughed. However, when she started her presentation on photography the nerves disappeared. "…I remember being so nervous leading up to it. But as soon as I started, I was so passionate about what I was talking about.”
The skills and confidence Lara developed quickly translated into employment. Within a couple of months of completing the course, she secured waitressing work at Invercargill’s new Distinction Hotel.
Today, Lara is thriving; she’s recently been promoted to senior staff and can take supervising shifts and is also building a photography business on the side. Lara credits the programme with helping her to discover confidence she never knew she had.
"I would say Kia Tū is one of the most significant things I've done in my life."
Kia Tū is currently delivered from SIT’s Invercargill campus and is expanding into Gore in October – delivered at SIT Gore campus – to create better access to pathway education opportunities for learners across Eastern Southland.
SIT CEO, Bharat Guha said as Southland continues to face skills shortages across a range of industries, programmes such as Kia Tū play an important role in helping people identify their strengths and connect with opportunities that benefit themselves and employers within the region.
“The Kia Tū partnership with Murihiku Regen reflects our mutual belief that education should support people to succeed, regardless of where they begin their journey, and that the right pathway support can open doors to further study, employment and community participation.”