Doing the right thing for our learners
When ākonga (learners) enrol at Wintec | Te Pūkenga, they are entrusting kaimahi (staff) to support them to be successful in their learner journey. This support comes in many forms, and Wintec kaimahi understand that there is more to a successful ākonga experience than academic achievement alone.
The Wintec | Te Pūkenga approach aligns with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.
Kate Wynyard Wintec | Te Pūkenga Director of Te Kete Manaaki says this alignment isn’t about compliance.
“It’s about doing the right thing for our learners and not being satisfied with ‘good enough’. This version of the Code will strengthen many of the things that we are already working towards here at Wintec | Te Pūkenga and reflects many of the learner-centredness priorities outlined within Tōia Mai,” she says.
Karen Kemsley, Wintec | Te Pūkenga International Student Services Manager, says the Code gives great direction in how kaimahi need to ensure the wellbeing, safety and success of all learners.
“The real gold comes with the good mahi we consistently do at Wintec in making that happen! It is the whole provider approach to supporting our ākonga that makes the difference - both domestic and international alike - the new Code applies to all.
“The additional requirements for international ākonga reflect the fact that learners are new to Aotearoa and Wintec. Education, study, employment, weather, food, living, networks, communication etc., may all be very different. It's the Wintec-wide manaakitanga that helps ākonga thrive,” she said.
What is the Code?
The Code explains what staff must do to ensure formal provision and good practices to support the wellbeing and safety of all tertiary learners generally and tertiary learners residing in student accommodation.
Under the Code, which is created by the Ministry of Education, tertiary organisations should help ākonga to be:
- Safe; physically and mentally
- Respected and accepted for who they are
- Supported in their learning and wellbeing
- Connected with the social and cultural networks of ākonga
- Include learners to have a voice in decisions about services
What do I do if I have a concern?
If you have concerns about your experience at Wintec, the first thing you should do is talk to your tutor or support staff, submit Student Voice 24/7 feedback or contact SAWIT to discuss your concerns and your options. Please see the Student Feedback page for more information on the Wintec formal complaints process.
If you do this and find your concerns are not resolved, you can pursue an external complaint through the NZQA. The NZQA can provide an independent assessment of your complaint and will either investigate your concerns or advise you on what you can do next.
You can submit a complaint query on the NZQA website or send an email to risk@nzqa.govt.nz. For more information, please contact NZQA on 0800 697 296.
Learn more about the Education Code of Practice here.
