WITT Change Management Team ready for new Operating Model Consultation

After a four-week delay, on the 15 of August Te Pūkenga will release the proposed operating model outlining how Te Pūkenga will operate as New Zealand’s polytechnics and ITPs become one network in 2023. While the release of the model and consultation period has been delayed, the WITT Change Management Team are ready.

Nita Hutchinson, Academic Director, has recently moved into the role as WITT Change Manager after the sad and sudden passing of previous manager, Peter de Rungs, on 21 of July. Nita said that despite the delay in the release of the model, the WITT change team is ready.

“As part of the ongoing commitment to engage with Te Pūkenga and support the merge, it is important that our kaimahi, ākonga and community are ready when the consultation period does begin.”

Nita said that naturally, mergers like the one WITT is experiencing will undoubtedly create unwanted stress and add additional activity to the workloads of kaimahi.

“It is important that kaimahi are aware of the constant support available to them through EAP services, unions, their managers and even their colleagues.”

Nita said that despite the delay of the consultation period, the change team have continued to plan activities and events for kaimahi when the consultation period begins.

 “The change team has planned several events and activities for kaimahi during the consultation period from a drop-in room staffed by WITT Change Management team members to meetings and online forums. “

“The most important thing throughout the consultation period is that staff know where to access support. Change can be uncomfortable and overwhelming, and it is important that we are looking after the wellbeing of our kamahi during this time.”

Nita said that it is important that kaimahi consider giving feedback during the consultation period.

“The feedback adds to the progress of designing the future of vocational education and ensuring future generations will have an equal opportunity to access learning and be well supported to be successful.”