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Ashton discovers a love of hospitality through the Kia Tū programme

At just 17 years old, Ashton Blenkiron-Pye has already experienced some major life changes. However, he graduated from the Kia Tū Trades Training Pathway Programme at SIT with a clearer sense of direction — and a genuine passion for hospitality.

Originally from Auckland, Ashton made the bold decision to move to Invercargill in December to be with his girlfriend. After the move, life felt uncertain, and he admits he “wasn’t really doing much” for a while. That changed when his youth coach suggested (or, as Ashton jokes, “kinda forced”) him to try the Kia Tū trades training course.

“At first, I thought it would just be like school, and I’d probably stop going after a while,” Ashton recalls. “But it ended up being pretty good.”Ashton discovered bartending through the Kia Tū programme - and is now working at Waxy’s Irish Pub in Invercargill.

From the beginning, Ashton committed himself to the course — even if he didn’t fully realise it at the time. Supported by the Anamata Māia team (Kai, Shaun and Barry) and tutor Keri, Ashton found more than just something to fill his days. He found guidance, encouragement, and people who genuinely believed in him.

“I felt like there was always people motivating me to just come and do stuff,” he says. “Like if I didn’t turn up, they didn’t just tell me off — they’d try to motivate me to come more often.”

The course became a turning point. Ashton admits that before Kia Tū, he was “pretty hood” and didn’t really care about anything. But with the right support — and the news that his girlfriend was pregnant — things started to click.

“I’ve matured a lot more,” Ashton says. “I can hold good conversations with people now, dress more appropriately, and I actually think about my future.”

That future now has a clear goal: hospitality. Through the course, Ashton discovered a love for the industry and decided he wanted to pursue a career as a bartender. Together, we went around town handing out CVs to bars and restaurants — and it didn’t take long for one to get back to him.

Ashton completed two job interviews and nailed them both, landing a role at Waxy’s Irish Pub, where he’s been thriving ever since.

“I’ve met some great people, I’ve learned heaps about what jobs are out there, and I’m actually on track to do something with my future,” he says.

Now, with a baby on the way and a new career just beginning, Ashton is feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

“There’s lots of cool stuff ahead, but with that comes uncertainty,” he admits. “When I started the course, I didn’t care where my future was going. Now I realise there’s so much more ahead for me — but that also means I’ve got more to lose. So I’ve just got to keep working at it.”

When asked what he’d say to anyone thinking about joining Kia Tū, Ashton doesn’t hesitate:

“Be open-minded. You might think you already know what you want to do, or you might think you just want to do nothing with your life. But if you just go in with an open mind, things have a way of working out.

“If you told me before this course that I’d be a bartender working in hospitality, I’d probably laugh. But if you put yourself out there, the opportunity will come.”

Ashton’s story is proof that sometimes all it takes is one step in a new direction to change the path entirely.

Thanks to the employers who support our Kia Tū programme

Employers provide real-world opportunities through site visits and job placements in sectors actively recruiting in Southland for our SIT based Kia Tū Trade Training Pathway Programme. We would particularly like to thank the following for their ongoing support:

• Niagara Sawmill
• Invercargill Licencing Trust
• Meridian Energy
• Mercury Energy
• The Bluff Aquaculture Hub
• Tiwai Smelter (NZAS)
• South Port
• Fonterra
• Downer

Posted: 27 August 2025

Finding a new path: Kotuku’s journey through the Kia Tū Trade Training Programme

At just 22 years old, Kotuku Richardson had already faced more than his share of life’s challenges. Reflecting on the period before joining the Kia Tū Trades Training Pathway Programme at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), he describes it simply as “a bad path” — one that wasn’t leading anywhere positive. But with a young son depending on him and a strong desire to turn things around, Kotuku made the bold decision to step into something new.

“I joined Kia Tū so I could get my life back on track, find a job and start to build a good future for me and my son,” he says.

From day one, Kotuku showed determination and commitment. He attended regularly, engaged with the course content, and took Kotuku secured at job at Niagara Sawmill after attending the Kia Tū Trades Training Pathway Programme at SIT.full advantage of the opportunities in front of him. What he discovered along the way was his own strength.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself and how capable I am,” Kotuku shares. “The course made me want to push myself to show up every day.”

And it paid off. Throughout the programme, he achieved several major milestones — completing his Heights (Basic and Advanced) Licence, gaining his Restricted Driver’s Licence, obtaining his WorkSafe Forklift Certificate, and securing a job at the Niagara Sawmill. These achievements weren’t just boxes to tick — they marked a real turning point, giving him the confidence and momentum to keep moving forward.

Kotuku credits much of his progress to the support he received throughout the programme. “I gained a lot of support from all the staff — they were very helpful in getting my life on track,” he says. He also acknowledges the guidance from the Anamata Māia: Bold, Confident Futures Service team, who played a key role in his success. “A big thank you to all that helped me change my life around. I appreciate all of you.”

Now, Kotuku is proud of how far he’s come — and even more excited about what’s next.

Kotuku has opened the door to a brighter future for himself and his whānau.“I am very proud of the path I am walking now and all the achievements I have made. I can definitely say my future is now brighter than ever before.”

When asked what he would say to others thinking about joining the Kia Tū Programme, Kotuku’s advice is clear:
“Don’t miss out on the great opportunities this programme has to offer. If you stick to it, you’re destined to succeed.”

Kotuku’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that the right support, environment, and mindset can have. With determination and the will to change, he has opened the door to a brighter future — for himself and his whānau.

Thanks to the employers who support our Kia Tū programme

Employers provide real-world opportunities through site visits and job placements in sectors actively recruiting in Southland for our SIT based Kia Tū Trade Training Pathway Programme. We would particularly like to thank the following for their ongoing support:

• Niagara Sawmill
• Invercargill Licencing Trust
• Meridian Energy
• Mercury Energy
• The Bluff Aquaculture Hub
• Tiwai Smelter (NZAS)
• South Port
• Fonterra
• Downer

Posted: 22 August 2025

Kia Tū Ākonga Shine! All 20 SIT students complete the course

On Friday 11 July, we celebrated the completion of the Kia Tū Trade Training Pathway Programme at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) by our latest class. This was the fifth group to go through the course since it began back in August 2024.

This cohort started together on Tuesday 27 May, and we’re thrilled to share that all 20 students successfully achieved their Microcredential qualification – the first time in the programme’s history that everyone in a class has completed!

Since the Kia Tū Programme began, 99 students have now taken part – each bringing their own strengths and stories, and all contributing to the programme’s growing success.

Exploring local industries

Throughout the course, students took part in a wide range of activities to explore local industries and develop their pathway plans. They visited sites such as the Tiwai Aluminium Smelter, Mercury’s Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm, Niagara Sawmill, and the Invercargill Licensing Trust, gaining valuable insights into potential career opportunities.Cohort 5 visiting Niagara Sawmill.

The class also welcomed guest speakers into the classroom, including budgeting services, cultural advisors, business representatives, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and benefited from workshop visits supported by the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).

This intake saw a real lift in students’ motivation and confidence, and the positive feedback from the community has been fantastic.

A collaborate effort for success

It’s important to acknowledge the collaborative efforts that make the Kia Tū Programme possible: the support of SIT Trades, Enrolments, Student Services, and the many others across SIT who generously share their knowledge and time when a student shows interest in a particular area.

Alongside this, the programme is strengthened by the contributions of Murihiku Regeneration, Hokonui Rūnanga, Anamata Māia, and the many businesses, industry partners, and individuals who open their doors and share their expertise. Together, these efforts help create real opportunities and positive outcomes for our students.

This was our final class funded by the Ministry of Social Development – Māori Trades and Training Fund. Looking ahead, future cohorts will continue under funding from the Tertiary Education Commission, allowing the Kia Tū Programme to keep making a difference in our community.

To this incredible group of students: congratulations!

Your hard work, commitment, and the way you supported each other have truly paid off – we’re so proud of what you’ve achieved.

Posted: 15 July 2025

Pathways Leadership Breakfast - focus on AI and building young people’s capability

On Wednesday 11 June, Murihiku Regeneration hosted a Pathways Leadership Breakfast focused on AI, technology and building young people’s capability. Hosted at Transport World, Invercargill, over 100 participants took the opportunity to connect across education, industry and community.Hon Penny Simmonds opened the Pathways Breakfast with an insightful presentation.

The breakfast opened with a presentation from the Hon Penny Simmonds. Minister Simmonds, provided rich insight into the way AI has already impacted the world of work, the importance of understanding this technological shift and the benefits it will bring to the success of our region and country.

Further speakers from Niagara Sawmill (Jemma Cournane) and Halter (Travis McKenzie) respectively, provided rich context to how AI is being used to innovate across processing industry and primary production. These talks highlighted the vital importance of young people able to engage with increasingly sophisticated technologies now impacting on employment in our region. What remained constant is the importance of human skills and capabilities in thinking, relating, and working well with others.

Aurora College Principal Craig Taylor, provided an insightful speech outlining the important role concrete experiences and connections to the world of work play in developing young people’s capacity to transition into the world of work.Aurora College Principal Craig Taylor highlighted the importance of the Kia Tū pathway programme in his school.

Event organiser, Ivan Hodgetts (Programme Lead Te Ara Aukate Kore (Pathways Without Barriers) Murihiku Regeneration) has a positive outlook for the future of rangatahi in Murihiku:

There is a lot of fear about the impact AI and technology generally is having on the world of work. The speakers today highlighted how industry in our region are using innovation to enhance productivity, while also creating new, more advanced jobs - including jobs well suited to gamers! There is an a rich and rewarding world of work for our young people in Murihiku-Southland.

Kia Tū pathway planning for schools - a philosophical shift

Kia Tū is a programme of learning centred on building a shared understanding between rangatahi, whānau and school regarding how a young person intends to start adult life and the pathway they will take.

Aurora College has been an early adopter of Kia Tū. Principal Craig Taylor spoke of the importance of this programme to his school:

Our students are stepping into an ever-changing world, one that’s evolving at an exponential rate, especially with the advent and impact of artificial intelligence (AI). We’re not talking about a distant future; AI is already transforming industries across New Zealand and globally. The jobs of tomorrow may not even exist today, and the skills needed are shifting rapidly. While recent reports in New Zealand suggest that direct job displacement by AI remains relatively low, it is profoundly changing how work is done and creating a strong demand for new, AI-focused roles. AI is augmenting human productivity, automating repetitive tasks, and allowing employees to focus on higher-value work. This means that while schools can effectively teach the fundamentals – literacy, numeracy, critical thinking – and the crucial soft skills needed for this dynamic world – adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration – direct exposure to industry is absolutely essential for our students to see the practical application of these technologies. It’s about understanding how AI is transforming design, healthcare, engineering, logistics, and countless other fields right now. It’s about being future-ready, not just academically prepared. This is precisely why we are working with Ivan to develop and implement the Kia Tū program at Aurora College.

Read Craig’s full speech here.

Find out more about Kia Tū and how your school can get involved.

Thanks to our speakers

Murihiku Regeneration would like to thank the speakers for their support of this event: Hon Penny Simmonds, Jemma Cournane (Niagara Sawmill), Travis McKenzie (Halter), and Craig Taylor (Principal, Aurora College).

Thanks to our sponsors

Posted: 12 June 2025

Kia Tū: A foundation for what comes next

The fourth Kia Tū Trade Training Pathway Programme at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has now wrapped up, celebrating eight weeks of learning, reflection, and planning—laying the foundation for each participant’s next chapter. The course ran from March 15 to May 16, with a break in the middle around Easter and ANZAC Day.

Designed to support participants into employment, further study, or training, Kia Tū provides a mix of hands-on experiences, personalised planning, and real-world exposure.

The focus was on helping participants build confidence, explore opportunities, and develop a clear sense of direction for the road ahead. Over the eight weeks, the group worked through a structured programme that combined classroom learning with community and industry engagement.

Real-world industry insightsSite visit to Mercury Energy’s wind farm at Kaiwera.

A key highlight of the Kia Tū experience was getting out into the community and learning from people working in a wide range of industries. Ākonga were welcomed into workplaces across Murihiku/Southland, where they saw firsthand what different roles involve and how businesses operate.

Site visits included:

• Mercury Energy’s wind farm at Kaiwera
• Tiwai Point aluminium smelter
• Fonterra’s Edendale dairy processing plant
• Invercargill Licensing Trust venues including Langlands, Centre Point, and Waxy’s

Each visit offered a behind-the-scenes look into how industries work and opened participants’ eyes to roles they may not have previously considered.

Ākonga also explored trades workshops at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), gaining valuable exposure to fields like automotive, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and engineering. These hands-on experiences helped many of our ākonga see a pathway into further training or apprenticeships.

Pathway planning and achievement

Throughout the course, each participant developed a personalised pathway plan. This process helped them identify their strengths, interests, and possible next steps into work, training, or study. As part of their Microcredential achievement, students presented their plans to the group—many doing so with confidence, clarity, and pride.

For some, it was the first time speaking in front of others. For others, it was an opportunity to articulate where they see themselves heading. These presentations were a real milestone in their personal development.

All participants who completed the programme successfully achieved their Microcredential—a formal recognition of their planning, engagement, and growth throughout Kia Tū.

Tutor reflections

The successes in this cohort were many, but a few really stood out.

One young man who had previously struggled with Kura—holding a school attendance rate of just 10–15%—thrived in the Kia Tū environment. He embraced the structure, support, and inclusive classroom culture, finishing the course with an outstanding attendance rate of over 90%.

Another standout story came from an ākonga who already held a degree in music. Unsure if he should pursue a trade or explore teaching, he used his time in the programme to gain clarity. In the end, trades weren’t for him—but the Kia Tū experience helped him decide to enrol in a teaching qualification next year.

This class also saw strong interest in electrical careers, with several participants now looking to enrol in electrical training programmes. Each Kia Tū cohort is different, but a few things remain constant: the growth in confidence, the sense of connection, the humour, and the pride our ākonga develop during their time with us.

Looking Ahead

Graduation day was a celebration—not just of finishing the programme, but of how far each individual had come. Many ākonga arrived feeling unsure about their direction or options. They left with increased confidence, greater clarity, and a realistic plan for the future.

Importantly, the support doesn’t stop here. Kia Tū continues to walk alongside its graduates as they take their next steps—whether it’s moving into employment, enrolling in study or training, or continuing to grow the life skills and mindset they’ve developed during the course.

With four successful cohorts now completed, the ripple effects of Kia Tū continue to grow—across workplaces, whānau, and the wider community.

Next Course: July 29- September 19
Applications Close: July 14

Acknowledging Our Supporters

A sincere thank you to all those who made this Kia Tū programme possible. To the employers and organisations who hosted site visits and welcomed our ākonga into their workplaces—your generosity, time, and willingness to share your experiences made a lasting impression.

Thank you also to the guest speakers who came into the classroom and shared their journeys, insights, and challenges. These conversations sparked ideas, broadened horizons, and showed what’s possible with resilience and hard work.

And finally, to our tutors and support staff—thank you for creating an environment where ākonga feel safe, encouraged, and supported. Your belief in each person helped them to believe in themselves. Your mahi is the heart of Kia Tū.

Posted: 30 May 2025