Ako Aotearoa

Thanks Comcol Youth Service Canterbury Comcol North Canterbury for hosting the last Ako Aotearoa workshop in the South. Southern Manager, Jennifer Leahy was invited to share her "Impact of Trauma on Learners" workshop with ComCol staff.

Ako Aotearoa staff convened in Wellington for a final gathering to commemorate and reflect on 18 years as the Centre for Tertiary Excellence. Director Corrina Gestro-Best took the opportunity to acknowledge four staff members who collectively contributed over 73.5 years of service. We expressed gratitude for their remarkable dedication and presented them with pounamu from Hokitika.

One of the rewarding aspects of farewelling the Tertiary Education sector is reconnecting with people who have been so actively involved with Ako Aktearoa. In Blenheim last week, Southern Manager, JenniferLeahy caught up with Adelaide Reid who was project lead for the 2019 project on Youth Guarantee Pathways ( link below). According to Adelaide, the outcomes identified in this research project are still relevant today. Find this research here-
https://ako.ac.nz/knowledge-centre/youth-guarantee-pathways-and-profiles-project

In collaboration with Pathways Awarua, Ako Aotearoa Southern Manager, Jennifer Leahy had the opportunity for a final visit with stakeholders in Te Waiharakeke, Blenheim. It was great to catch up with so many stakeholders and share our resources with them. Ngā mihi nui REAP Marlborough for hosting us so beautifully.

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Today, the ACE in Ōtautahi Community of Practice gathered to acknowledge the tireless and passionate service of Jennifer Leahy from Ako Aotearoa.

For many years, Jennifer has championed adult and community education in Christchurch and across Aotearoa. Her contributions to the national ACE sector through her various roles have been extraordinary and deeply appreciated.

Jennifer is a person who leads with manaakitanga, bringing diverse experience, wisdom and skill to every space she enters. She is an adult educator who truly embodies what it means to support learners with heart, integrity and excellence.

Ngā mihi nui for all you have done and continue to do, Jennifer. Your impact is lasting and valued.

Thank you Timaru Ara for warmly welcoming Southern Manager Jennifer Leahy who took the chance to thank the sector for their support over the years. Jennifer provided a workshop “The impact of trauma on learning “ to a range of educators from the region.

🎉 Congratulations to Richard Hope – The Prime Minister’s 2025 Tertiary Educator of the Year!

Recognised for his transformative work in automotive engineering and inclusive teaching at Ara Institute of Canterbury. From learning te reo to translate assessments for his ākonga, to creating accessible online learning, Richard is driving change and empowering learners across Aotearoa.

Read more about Richard on our website: https://hubs.la/Q03RV8Rn0

A poignant day for Ako Aotearoa staff celebrating the final Te Whatu Kairangi award ceremony. Thank you everyone for your ongoing support.

Congratulations to this years Te Whatu Kairangi winners - a wonderful final Ako Aotearoa celebration of excellence in tertiary teaching.

Te Atakura Team, Universal College of Learning (UCOL) | 2025 Te Whatu Kairangi General Group Award winners 🏆

Te Atakura is a culturally responsive, relationships-based framework developed at UCOL to improve outcomes for ākonga Māori and marginalised learners. Since its launch in 2013, the Te Atakura team has embedded kaupapa Māori pedagogy across the institution. Conducting over 1300 teaching observations, leading PLD for more than 500 staff, and supporting systemic change through coaching, feedback, and whānau-centred practice. The team’s work has increased course completions, shifted teaching mindsets, and influenced national practice.

“The Te Atakura framework’s emphasis on relational pedagogy and community engagement ensures that learning is holistic, culturally sustaining, and aligned with whānau and iwi aspirations.”

Learn more about the Te Atakura Team and the 2025 Te Whatu Kairangi awardees: https://hubs.la/Q03P-y1m0

The Te Atakura Team will receive a General Te Whatu Kairangi Group Award under the 'Achieving diversity and inclusion for improving outcomes for: Māori learners; Pacific learners; neurodiverse learners; and/or learners with disabilities' category.

Chloe Humphreys and Juliane Tautz | 2025 Te Whatu Kairangi General Group Award winners 🏆

The Distance Delivery Team for the Bachelor of Culinary Arts at Otago Polytechnic’s Food Design Institute, Chloe Humphreys and Juliane Tautz, are reshaping culinary education to prioritise hauora and leadership. Their Work-Based and Assessment-of-Prior-Learning pathways support chefs and culinary educators across Aotearoa and abroad. Enabling them to study while working full-time and validating their industry expertise through reflective practice.

“As our mahi filters outwards, from individual ākonga to employers and the wider industry, it cultivates a generation of chefs who can sustain both their craft and the wellbeing of their communities.”

Learn more about Chloe and Juliane and the 2025 Te Whatu Kairangi awardees: https://hubs.la/Q03P-xl40

The Bachelor of Culinary Arts Distance Delivery team will receive a General Te Whatu Kairangi Group Award under the 'Initiatives for progressing hauora and wellbeing in education' category.