Hanga-Aro-Rau Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics Workforce Development Council (WDC) recognised the immense mahi of Marine and Specialised Technologies (MAST) Academy of New Zealand, formerly NZMAC ITO, at a special handover event on Monday 11 July 2022.

The qualifications and standards-setting function was previously managed by Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) but passed to the six WDCs created on 04 October 2021 as part of the Government’s Reform of Vocational Education. This work was undertaken by NZMAC ITO for the marine and composites industries but transferred to Hanga-Aro-Rau.

In preparation, MAST Academy NZ reviewed all their qualifications, something Hanga-Aro-Rau Chief Executive Phil Alexander-Crawford said went well above and beyond what was expected.

“Chris and the MAST Academy NZ tīma have done a stellar job reviewing all 11 qualifications they are handing over. This was not something mandated as part of RoVE: it’s something they did off their own bat. So, we acknowledge and value this work, and we are immensely grateful. It has ensured a smooth, seamless transition of the standards-setting function to us. It also means industry can be confident their qualifications are up-to-date and fit for purpose to produce skilled tradespeople in their fields,” Mr Alexander-Crawford said.

He added that it was also a shining example of the spirit of collaboration, which is at the heart of the government’s reforms and putting industry needs first.

It was also announced that Hanga-Aro-Rau will sponsor a new award at MAST Academy’s annual graduation ceremony and dinner. Details on this will be released later.

The acknowledgement event was held at MAST Academy NZ’s beautiful headquarters at Auckland’s Westhaven Marina and included invited representatives from across the marine and composites industries and vocational education ecosystem.

Speakers included Peter Busfield, Executive Director of the New Zealand Marine Industry Association and Glenn Campbell, President of the Composites Association of New Zealand, who both shared fascinating insights into the size and breadth of the marine and composite sectors. Tracey Stevenson, Board Chair of MAST Academy NZ and Mike Crossan, General Manager, Industry Standards for Hanga-Aro-Rau concluded the formal speeches.

Hanga-Aro-Rau Workforce Development Council represents the manufacturing, engineering and logistics industries and works to ensure our sectors lead and influence the vocational education system and its transformation.

MAST Academy New Zealand is now a private training establishment. They work with learners and employers to ensure people are trained with the necessary skills and knowledge to build successful lives and businesses.

Pictured from left to right: Peter Busfield, Executive Director of the New Zealand Marine Industry Association and Hanga-Aro-Rau Industry Stakeholder Group member, Chris Van der Hor, Chief Executive of MAST Academy, Phil Alexander-Crawford, Chief Executive, Hanga-Aro-Rau and Darrell Lambert, Poumatua, Hanga-Aro-Rau.