Building Understanding Through Learning and Connection

As part of Adult Learners' Week He Tangata Mātauranga, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology welcomed community members, graduates, current ākonga (students) and kaimahi (staff) to a special workshop focused on strengthening understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance in contemporary Aotearoa.

The workshop was inspired by students in the Master of  Applied Professional Studies programme and co-ordinated by Ruth Thomas. The workshop brought together a collaborative group of partners, including Treaty People/Tangata Tiriti, Multicultural Rotorua and Toi Ohomai.

The event also aligned with Welcoming Week, a nationwide initiative that celebrates inclusion, belonging and the contributions of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Participants explored Te Tiriti through facilitated discussions and activities designed to encourage reflection, challenge assumptions and foster meaningful conversations.

Ruth said the workshop demonstrated the power of collaboration and shared commitment.  

"One of the strengths of adult learning is its ability to create opportunities for participation, growth and lifelong learning. Together, individuals and whānau can build connection and make positive changes that are shared across the community. It was fantastic to see the idea proposed by our postgraduate students come to life through such a collaborative effort."

The event was supported by ACE Aotearoa, which funded lunch as part of  the wider Adult Learners' Week celebrations. Students from Jonathan Chemis' Culinary Arts programme prepared and catered the meal, providing them with valuable real-world experience while helping to create a welcoming atmosphere for participants.

Jonathan said his students were proud to contribute to the success of the day. The Treaty People facilitators said that the workshop lunch was the best they had ever had.  

"Opportunities like this allow our learners to apply their skills in a real event environment while supporting an important community kaupapa. The students did an outstanding job and were pleased to play a role in bringing people together."

The workshop was made possible through the combined efforts of kaimahi from Toi Ohomai's Tiriti Partnerships and Māori Success and People, Culture and Wellbeing teams, alongside Treaty People facilitators and community partners.

The event forms part of a broader commitment to strengthening Te Tiriti-informed practice across Toi Ohomai. 12 kaimahi from across the institute attended the community workshop and then took part in the Treaty People Facilitator Intensive, building their confidence and capability to support Te Tiriti-informed learning throughout the organisation.

Toi Ohomai Organisational Development and Equity Lead Catherine Welham said the intensive and community workshop are important steps in building a stronger foundation for bicultural practice.

"These learning opportunities help us deepen our understanding, strengthen relationships and create a more culturally responsive organisation. Our hope is that we will be able to create more opportunities for this learning, reflection and connection across Toi Ohomai."

Plans are already underway to continue professional development opportunities for kaimahi helping embed Te Tiriti-informed practice across the institute and into the wider community.