Main to become Honorary Fellow

Former Whanganui mayor Annette Main will be made an Honorary Fellow at the UCOL Council Honours Awards later this month.

It's the highest honour going at the awards night and it recognises outstanding and distinguished contribution to UCOL, the wider community and society.

Ms Main was chair of the consortium made up of Whanganui District Council, UCOL and Te Puna Matauranga o Whanganui which helped establish the Maori and Pasifika trades training.

"And it was about retaining the courses in Whanganui and making sure we focus on the strengths of Whanganui, especially around the arts and also trades training," Ms Main said.

"I really enjoyed being involved in the collaborative group. It worked extremely well and I hope that continues. To be part of being able to make that happen was one of the more enjoyable times as mayor."

Ms Main said UCOl was vital to Whanganui in terms of retaining young people and providing skilled employees for local industry.

"If we are able to retain young people and also re-train older people looking for a change in lifestyle it very important for us in terms of being able to fill positions that are available in Whanganui."

UCOL Council Chair Malcolm Inglis said Ms Main had helped ensure the tertiary institute remained part of the Whanganui community.

"The UCOL Council awards are our way of publicly recognising those who make considerable contributions to the communities UCOL is part of," he said.

Meanwhile, former Whanganui District councillor Sue Westwood will be recognised with a Honorary Associate award for services to education and serving the community.

The UCOL Council Honours Awards will be presented as part of the Whanganui campus graduation ceremony on March 30.