New era for vocational education

The government’s work to put trades and vocational education back on the agenda took another major step forward on Wednesday, 19 February with the passing of the Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill, says Education Minister Chris Hipkins.

“This is a watershed day for trades and vocational education. These law changes formalise the process of creating a strong, unified, sustainable system to set us up to respond to skills shortages and prepare for the future of work,” says Chris.

“With the Government recently announcing a $12 billion infrastructure programme, there has never been a better time to enter trades and vocational training.

“For years New Zealand has faced serious skills shortages across many industries. The construction industry alone needs 80,000 workers in the next five years and the current system is not set up to handle the demand.

“The current system discourages collaboration and pits polytechnics and on-thejob training providers against each other. Learners are often the ones caught in the cross-fire and employers don’t get the skills they need.

“With these changes we’re bringing together a coherent system of on-the-job apprenticeships and off-thejob training for the first time in 30 years –since apprenticeships were abolished in the 1990s.

“We’re creating a system that is simple to understand and navigate, responsive to the needs of learners and employers, and flexible enough to keep changing and evolving as the world around us changes and evolves.”

The Bill: gives industry greater leadership across vocational education and training by establishing workforce development councils (WDCs) establishes the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST), which will bring together all 16 polytechnics and institutes of technology to provide, arrange and support vocational education and training across the country introduces a new regulatory framework for vocational education and training

“Amendments following feedback received from the sector during the select committee process and from my col- leagues in the House will make the Bill more effective in achieving the Government’s vision,” says Chris.

“The Bill ensures academic freedom for staff at the NZIST while allowing industry to take a leadership role in identifying the skills needed in the workplace through workforce development councils. The Bill will lead to better outcomes for students, industry and the regions, and provides support for staff during the transition to the new system.

“This Bill, along with the work happening outside Parliament to create workforce development councils, centres of vocational excellence, a new vocational education funding system, and to promote vocational education in schools and the community, is a testament to the ability of New Zealanders to work together in pursuit of the common good.

“We will continue to work with industry sectors and training organisations, the institutes of technology and polytechnics that will become part of the NZIST on 1 April, students, unions, whanau and communities to complete the task of building a better system of vocational education and training,” says Chris.

Motueka RDA

There is an incredible facility at the end of College Street and an amazing group of people and horses who give so much back to our community. The Motueka RDA provides goal-based riding activities that increase the ability, strength and confidence of people with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges. Their focus is to make a positive difference and their vision is to reach more riders and change more lives.

Riding benefits children and adults with a wide range of special needs. It’s an enjoyable form of healthy, outdoor exercise and an exciting, challenging and motivating activity. There are also significant therapeutic benefits for the rider. RDA sessions are designed to enhance and improve physical, psychological and social abilities as well as provide recreational and educational opportunities.

The Motueka RDA is currently seeking volunteers with a variety of skills to help out at this wonderful facility. You don’t need to be horse or child minded to volunteer. They are looking for people to help in different areas including admin, gardening, maintenance or any other skills you can offer.

To find out more about the Motueka RDA or sign up as a volunteer, visit their social media page facebook.com/ Motueka-Riding-for-the-Disabled or give them a call on 021 908 495.

Enjoy incredible views at Tasman Golf Club

Tasman Golf Club offers exceptional golfing and a scenic experience. Come and play on one of the best 9-hole country courses in New Zealand.

It’s a challenging course with awesome views across Tasman Bay and the Mount Arthur ranges and great value at only $25 per day.

There are competitions to suit all skill levels, or just enjoy a casual round at a time that suits. Clubs are available to hire and the view from our clubhouse deck is second to none.

Les Mills classes in Takaka

Golden Bay Group Fitness welcome all fitness levels. They run the following Les Mills classes which are refreshed every three months with new moves and new music.

CXWORX, BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, BODYATTACK and BODYSTEP

You can find them at the old Masonic Hall, 1 Commercial Street Takaka (between the Top Shop Cafe and Roots Bar). Come and enjoy yourself – this is YOUR time, make the most of it! Bring a towel and water bottle. We’ll help you with everything else.

More information at www.groupfitness-goldenbay. co.nz or Facebook Les Mills Golden Bay Fitness Group.

Sage Health

As chiropractors, we work with you to enhance your body’s natural ability to heal itself.

We understand the relationship between the spine, nervous system and every organ in the body. We offer gentle, effective bodily adjustments to enable your body to restore and maintain health.

Dr Tim Ford Dr Roisin Ford Registered Chiropractors

145B HIGH ST MOTUEKA

03 528 8709

HELLO@SAGEHEALTH.CO.NZ

At Sage Health, we combine a variety of chiropractic techniques with soft tissue, cranial techniques, dry needling and movement therapies to alleviate unnecessary discomfort, enrich your understanding of your own body and support your wellbeing.

We also offer specialised pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care to help your body and baby adapt with flexibility and ease.

Motueka Golf Club

Enjoy a special 3-month Autumn Women’s Membership for only $100 at Tasman Golf Club, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular 9-hole golf courses. Includes a free ‘taster’ session, free club hire and the best walk on the Kina Peninsula! Golfers & non-golfers are welcome.

If you are new to the game this is a great chance to try golf in a relaxed, non-threatening environment. The free ‘taster’ session includes club & trundler hire – so come along and check it out.

Enjoy fitness at the hub of the Moutere

Moutere Hills Community Centre is the hub of the Moutere community, their mission is to provide and promote recreational, social and cultural services by providing an accessible and affordable Centre for use by the Tasman region.

Their stunning new Fitness Centre is now open and with state of the art equipment from the USA, it is proving very popular with locals.

Opening hours for the Fitness Centre are from 4 am until 11 pm. There are plenty of membership options available including youth, 60+ and family.

Check out their Fitness Centre today, it’s amazing!

Healthful tips to combat corona virus from Greenworld Health

Take a range of supplements including, Liposomal Vitamin C, Echinacea, Olive Leaf, Vitamin D, Astragalus, Colloidal Silver (the original antibiotic before penicillin. A powerful probiotic

THINGS TO DO:

The Physio Clinic

At The Physio Clinic we are in the business of managing health and well being through keeping active, irrespective of your illness or ailments. We promote exercise and activity as ‘the best medicine’ for everything from stress and anxiety, through to persistent pain and most medical conditions. Alongside Glenn, Lara and Liz (who we hope to see back at work very soon), Troy Gardiner has just joined the team. Troy is a highly trained and experienced physiotherapist with a strong interest in persistent pain, patient education and understanding and assisting people with chronic conditions back to their full potential.

Motueka’s locally owned and operated physio!

SmartPower

It’s the smart way to get around: it’s eco-friendly, economical and qualifies as fun exercise. As we all know, the problem with exercise is that unless you’re a fitness fanatic, it’s not always enjoyable. So, people don’t stick to getting fit and end up resorting to that default position on the couch.

Help is at hand! Smart Power NZ sells top-quality electric bikes and accessories at competitive prices all over NZ and they are based right here in Motueka.

“Electric bikes and vehicles are the way of the future: quiet, non-polluting and ridiculously cheap to run. It’s the way to go,” emphasises Ed te Groen, owner/operator of Smart Power e-Vehicles NZ

Did you know that Smart Power NZ offer discounts to Grey Power, Gold card and NZMCA members, how good is that?

You’ll find Ed at the Sunday Markets in Decks Reserve or check out his range of fantastic electric bikes online, it’s the way of the future. www.smartpowernz.com

The Art of Touch

Melissa Potter at The Art of Touch in Greenwood Street brings you around three decades of experience in numerous Natural Health Therapies and Bodywork.

She is highly skilled in several applications including Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Therapeutic/ Remedial Massage, Reflexology, AromaTouch, Infrared Sauna, In-Clinic Yoga Sessions and Zyto Bio-Scan Readings. Melissa can give you corrective postures/ exercises and advice for self-help, e.g., breathing exercises for stress/insomnia, core strength exercises to help rectify / antidote back pain, etc… as well as referral advice if she feels other complementary therapies/advice will help you holistically, e.g., nutrition, osteopathic work, counselling, etc.

Melissa uses relief/management with specific combination therapy techniques to address your specific ailments. She is specialising more and more in chronic pain relief, injury relief/management, posture analysis, rehabilitation, stress and trauma (physical and psychological) as well as specific combination therapy techniques to address your specific ailments.

Book your appointment today, Melissa is available Monday to Friday.

• Exercise regularly, little or no alcohol, don’t smoke or vape, get adequate sleep, wash hands frequently, try not to touch your face.

• The fear of the virus is WORSE than the virus because fear can induce stress, which raises cortisol hormones which lower the immune system.

• Stay hydrated. Drink one litre of water for each 22kg of body weight daily.

• Prioritise intake of healthy protein and healthy fat and reduce intake of sugar and other refined carbohydrates

Call in here to Greenworld Health and Lifestyle, we have lots more information to assist especially those with compromised immune systems or on immunosuppressive drugs, or cardiovascular disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

Angelinas

The intimate relationship between a client and a hairdresser is legendary – it’s built on honesty, trust and delivering the goods.

Whether you are wanting a trim, a perm, maybe a new hair colour, a fresh new look or a particular style for a special event, let me work my magic on you.

My private Salon is open Monday to Friday and I’m conveniently located at 22A Grey Street where parking is a breeze.

Making a difference, to the way you feel about yourself, is my commitment to you. I believe in building relationships, with a friendly, affordable reliable hairdressing service.

Whatever your hairdressing requirements, I’m here to care, pamper and spoil you. Don’t delay, get in touch and discover what I can do to help you look your best.

With four decades of experience in building and design, Mike Bradley should be the first person you call when considering a new build or if you have a renovation in mind.

Mike has a mobile office which allows him to come to you and discuss ideas and realise your dreams. This is important, especially with renovations, as any require¬ments will be site-specific.

For those not ready to commit, Mike is more than happy to visit your site and share ideas with you at no cost.

Mike is friendly, knowledgeable, experienced and talented especially when it comes to renovations.

Get in touch with Mike today and make your new home or renovation ideas a reality with Mike Bradley Design.

mikebradleydesignnz@gmail.com

Mark Christoffersen Painter

Mark Christoffersen stands by his work. He’s spent close on 30 years perfecting his craft and says everyone deserves a good job though not all painters appreciate the fact. “Fast is not good, quality is of paramount importance to me and I do every job as though it’s my own house,” Mark says.

Preparation is important. You won’t find any bubbly surfaces in the result - not unless you asked for them. And that’s another thing: Mark says textured paint is in vogue, as is wallpaper in any room of the house. “Things have come full circle in that regard and I’m fortunate to have been around long enough to be as good at wallpaper as I am at painting,” he says.

His advice to clients is to always employ a Master Painter and Decorator who will have done their ‘time’ and will work to a high standard. If you’re looking for the best outcome - inside and out, give Mark a call.

Bingo Bin Hire

Are you looking for great value skip bins or skip hire in the Motueka region?

Maybe you are moving house, cleaning up the garden, renovating, or on a building site. Whether it’s domestic or commercial waste removal, Bingo Bins can help.

They have a broad range of convenient skips and bins for hire here in the Motueka region. You can be sure your rubbish disposal is taken care of with a friendly smile and a satisfaction guaranteed service. The team at Bingo Bin hire can handle both your general waste disposal, as well as clean/hard fill and garden waste removal. Their prices are both competitive and reasonable and with a variety of bins to choose from they are sure to have what you need.

For all your rubbish removal requirements give Bingo Bins in Motueka a call.

Living Rewards - Shop + Swipe = Reward

Living Rewards is accepted at over 360 Unichem and Life Pharmacies nationwide. It’s easy and convenient to earn points and redeem vouchers on your everyday health and beauty needs as well as on your prescription items.

In addition to earning points and rewards, as a Living Rewards member, you get access to other exclusive benefits including:

• oucher notifications

• nvitations to P events and sale days

• Relevant promotions and offers

• ealth and beauty tips

• Exclusive opportunities to win great pri es

Ensure your correct email, address and phone number are saved on your account to receive these member benefits.

How it works: You’ll earn 1 point for every $1 spend on retail items and 1 point for each script item purchased. Once you achieve 150 points, you will be rewarded with a $10 voucher.

Smart Business Centre

Having the right tools for the job means that you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy instead of being tied up with book work.

The Smart Business Centre will take care of your accounting and tax work, making sure you are not paying more tax than you need to, and ensure your assets are protected. You will have better information, faster, and you won’t have to deal with the IRD.

Once your books are in order, we will recommend tools for you to make your life easier, and your business more efficient. “Our goal is to help your business become more profitable and more valuable so you and your family achieve your personal goals.”

We have extensive experience in overseas superannuation Funds and investments and the tax implications in New Zealand.

Flash Electrical

Flash Electrical is Motueka’s most experienced electricians. This locally owned business will look after all of your electrical needs. Their dedicated team specialise in various areas, covering an array of specific requirements.

The IT and Security team will assist you with the latest technology, from security cameras with cloud-based recording, through to data protection. Their industrial team’s knowledge and skills cover a range of applications from large plants to new fit-outs.

Many of their electricians have a commercial and industrial background, enabling Flash Electrical to carry out large scale projects with a wealth of experience.

They are also able to provide an inspector who will arrange everything from your NCA paperwork through to final inspection.

The domestic team at Flash Electrical looks after the day to day needs of house owners, whether it be replacing filters, installing heat pumps or wiring a new house. Flash Electrical is your go-to electricians, give them a call today.

Matt Galvin – Ray White

With a background predominantly in Business and Marketing combined with his experience owning and running multiple businesses, Matt Galvin is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to get the best results whether buying or selling.

Being financially astute, Matt is knowledgeable as well as driven to achieve the best result for his clients.

Matt understands the amazing value of our area and that reflects in the results he has been able to achieve to date.

His community spirit has recently been put to good use as the chairman of two local community organisations and he has been involved in many community projects. Matt knows how important the people who make up the local community are and that is why he comes highly recommended.

If you want someone who will look after you and your biggest assets while empowering you with the best information to make the big calls then don’t hesitate to give Matt a call today.

Hat Trick Lodge

If you are looking for single or shared accommodation in central Motueka, then Hat Trick Lodge has you covered.

Hat Trick Lodge is an excellent base to explore the bays and blue-green waters of the Abel Tasman, the tracks of the Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Lakes and the golden sands of Kaiteriteri. And yes they are bike friendly should you be touring by bicycle.

Locals, you can enjoy a night out and stay in the heart of Motueka without the worry of driving home. Perfect for those attending an event, group function or a party. Hat Trick Lodge has secure rooms and plenty of parking, nothing is a problem.

Enjoy quality, location and genuine hospitality, your friendly hosts Graeme and Diane are committed to ensuring your stay is memorable!

Visit their website to find out more and make a booking. https://hattricklodge.co.nz/