2022 review

 Another busy year with the pandemic still present and causing continued disruption in our everyday lives. The arrival of COVID into Aotearoa saw many people becoming ill, with the illness somewhat ameliorated, for most, by vaccination. Across the year, students and colleagues caught the virus, along with a host of other flu related illnesses, caused by several years of isolation from the lurgies due to the borders being closed. Therefore, it has been a difficult year as students and teaching staff have had to work through illness, isolation at home if relatives or housemates became ill, or have had to work through long recovery times. Courses have had to ensure resources were available online for students to access if unable to attend class, and for students catching up with classes missed. Staff have been stretched due to having to cover for other who have been ill. Therefore, in a way, this year has been more difficult due to the unpredictability and uncertainty as to how ‘blended learning’ is structured and enacted.

Apart from the work generated by supporting our colleagues working to ensure equitable access for all our learners, there has been much activity generated by my institute’s merger into Te Pūkenga. Difficulties with the formation of Te Pūkenga and its leadership became evident earlier in the year and by mid-year, there was a change at  ‘headquarters’ and a rush to try to meet targets to ensure that the 2023 teaching and learning year was able to proceed smoothly.

Of note is my appointment to the Te Pūkenga Te Ohu Whatahaere (Ako) Te Pouari Akoranga – the learning and teaching subcommittee of the Te Pūkenga Academic Board. The Ohu met for the first time this month to establish its remit. I am hopeful this is one avenue to provide much needed pragmatic feedback to the large volume of change which is churning all around us at the moment.

On the research front, the publication of the book 'Reshaping Vocational Education and Training in Aotearoa New Zealand', edited with Nicholas Huntingdon, culminates two years of work, begining with gathering the authors for the 20 chapters in the book, organising the peer review process, responding to external reviews and the final proofreading process. Book launches was held in Christchurch and in Wellington, with many authors, reviewers and supporters attending.

I look to a break across the Xmas and New Year, with the usual opportunities to rest and recreate in the South of Te Waipounamu (the South Island). It will be good to refresh and revive as 2023 will no doubt be just as busy and challenging!