Rotorua’s Te Puia leads the way with certification for rural skills

Rotorua’s Te Puia became the first visitor attraction in New Zealand to have staff certified in rural skills, with its Environment Team members recently presented with National Certificates in General Skills Agriculture (Level 2) – Primary Sector.

The certification, from Primary ITO, New Zealand’s largest industry training organisation, came after 12 months of staff training on and off-site. The qualification will, in-part, help safeguard staff against the attraction's geysers, hot springs, boiling mud and its ever-changing landscape.

Te Puia’s Environment Team are responsible for all maintenance across the 70 hectare geothermal site, including horticulture, hygiene and the conservation of native flora and fauna. Part of their role has involved the removal of undergrowth to expose natural geothermal features, with an ongoing focus on ensuring pathways are clear and safe for visitors.

One of those who qualified was Environment Supervisor, Mariana Te Rangi, who says working towards the certificate has developed a sense of whanaungatanga (kinship) within the team, while at the same time, creating a safe working environment and a sense of pride which is obvious in the team’s increased confidence.

Rangi explained “on a daily basis, our team operate machinery and quad bikes typically used in the agriculture industry and often in more varied conditions than farming.

“There are more quad bike deaths in Aotearoa than any other type of off-road vehicle so although our team could already operate these bikes, using them safely is absolutely critical due to the unique environment at Te Puia.

“We work around erupting geysers, hot springs, boiling mud and an ever-changing landscape. The training we have undertaken not only safeguards staff, but also manuhiri (visitors) and Te Puia as an organisation.”

Te Puia Human Resources Manager, Denise Emery, says the certification acknowledges the Environment Team’s skills are as advanced as those of farm and forestry workers and recognises the importance of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce in a unique and ever-changing geothermal environment.

Emery says the certification is a significant development for Te Puia and New Zealand, with the organisation now leading the way in tourism industry safety, adding “part of our mandated responsibility is the kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of this site and Te Whakarewarewa Valley and this training will further support this work, while at the same time ensuring that we keep our people and manuhiri safe.

“Our Environment Team are critical to the smooth running of our operation and the fulfilment of our mandate. They have embraced this opportunity to develop their skills and have something tangible to show for it. We are all very proud of them.”

Te Puia is New Zealand’s living Maori cultural centre, located just five minutes from central Rotorua. Situated in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, Te Puia is home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, a live kiwi enclosure, the world-famous Pohutu Geyser, and more than 500 geothermal wonders.

For more information go to www.tepuia.com

1st April 2014 - SPA AND GEOTHERMAL OPPORTUNITIES ON AGENDA DURING ROTORUA MAYOR’S TRIP TO JAPAN