Downer NZ Launches Te Rito Programme to Empower Taitamāhine Māori

30/03/2023

Downer NZ has launched a new Corporate Social Outcomes (CSO) programme, Te Rito, aimed at providing sustainable employment opportunities for taitamāhine (young women) Māori.

The inaugural four-day programme began with a pōwhiri at Umupuia marae where the participants spent the first night. The program brought together six participants aged between 17 and 23 years old from both within the business and external candidates - including Quarry Drivers, Recruitment Coordinators, Trainee Lab Technicians, and more.

The name Te Rito, meaning "the heart of the flax bush", is derived from a Māori whakataukī (proverb) that emphasises the importance of nurturing young talent. The programme's goal is to develop sustainable employment for taitamāhine in both operational and office-based roles, thereby supporting Downer NZ’s commitment to creating a more diverse workforce.

Te Rito takes a different approach compared to traditional vocational programmes, with a focus on developing a range of skills including life skills, digital literacy, and technical skills. The programme covers a variety of topics such as communication skills, financial wellbeing, workplace readiness, goal setting, and more. The entire programme is underpinned by the Māori wellbeing framework of Te Whare Tapa Whā, which emphasises the holistic nature of health and wellbeing.

Te Rito offers a unique opportunity for participants to explore a range of roles within the business, including both office-based and site-based roles. The programme is designed to create more opportunities for taitamāhine, while also providing valuable training and development for current employees. By providing taitamāhine with the skills and support they need to thrive in these roles, Downer NZ is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. This, in turn, will help to drive innovation and better decision-making, as well as improve social outcomes for the wider community.

Downer NZ has partnered with Te Puni Kōkiri, who are major supporters of the initiative, to deliver the first-ever Te Rito programme. “Te Rito is about providing opportunities for taitamāhine to develop their skills and build a career with Downer. We want to create a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in, and Te Rito is an important step towards achieving that goal" says Ben White, CSO Programme Manager.   

We are excited about the potential impact of Te Rito and look forward to working with our partners and communities to achieve our shared goals. By prioritising our social responsibility and achieving broader outcomes for our communities, we believe that we can help create a better future for all New Zealanders. Stay tuned for updates on our progress with Te Rito and the impact that we are making in our communities.