Building opportunity and confidence in Northland’s future – Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper

Each year, about 2000 young people leave school across Northland, says Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper. Photo / 123rf

Last week, an important decision was made to back Northland’s future.

The Government’s commitment to recapitalise NorthTec is a clear signal of confidence in our region and in the potential of our people. It is a practical step toward a bigger goal for Northland, creating real pathways, stronger skills and long-term opportunity for the next generation.

Northland is one of the few regions in New Zealand with a growing population. That growth brings momentum, but it also brings responsibility. If we want our region to succeed, we must ensure our young people can see a future for themselves here, with access to education, training and meaningful work that allows them to build good lives close to home.

Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to make that happen. It opens doors, increases earning capacity over a lifetime and supports a strong local workforce. When education is well connected to industry and community need, it helps ensure that growth benefits Northlanders first.

That is why the Government’s decision to re-establish NorthTec as a standalone regional polytechnic is so significant. The funding commitment provides a solid foundation for vocational education in Northland and supports NorthTec’s proposed move into the Knowledge, Education and Arts Hub (Kea) in Whangārei’s central city. I want to sincerely thank the Government for investing in Northland and for recognising that locally led education is essential to our region’s success.

This investment gives us the building blocks to support the vision, but it does not deliver the outcome on its own. The hard work starts now.

Each year, about 2000 young people leave school across Northland. At the same time, 19% of our young people are not in education, employment or training (Neets). Alongside this, our region is seeing major investment in housing, infrastructure, health services and community facilities. Projects that I have mentioned in this column before. These projects represent opportunity, but only if Northlanders have the skills and training needed to take part in building and supporting them.

The proposed Kea Hub is about bringing these pieces together. It is about creating a central and accessible place for learning that connects students with education providers, employers and real-world opportunities. Its location in the heart of our city improves access, strengthens collaboration and makes education a visible and valued part of everyday life in Northland.

Our role is to help facilitate the opportunity. That means working constructively with Government, education providers, industry and our communities to create the right conditions for success. It includes looking at the repurposing of assets to maximise new opportunities for modern learning environments. The Knowledge Hub Precinct process provides an opportunity to work through proposals and engage our community to support long-term growth and resilience, helping to support in a regional education strategy.

This is not a project that belongs to one organisation alone. It is a shared community effort, shaped by families, educators, employers and young people across Northland. If we are serious about supporting our 2000 school leavers each year, we must continue working toward a common goal, which is clear pathways, real opportunities, and the confidence that there is a future here.

Most of all, this work is about our young people. It is about showing them that Northland believes in them, is investing in their skills and is committed to building a region where they can learn, work and succeed right here at home.