Employee Benefits

Health and wellbeing of our employees is a key focus for Bay of Polytechnic. Wellness initiatives included the Employee Assistance Programme, Health Checks for employees, Wellness Week and free access to the Aquatic Centre for employees during lunch time breaks. The Chief Executive closes the Polytechnic for an additional week over the Christmas holiday period to ensure that all employees were given a sufficient rest period. We also maintained our Tertiary Status for the ACC Workplace Safety Management Practice (WSMP) audit in 2010. This is clear evidence of our commitment to wellbeing and safety for all.

In line with the new Flexible Working legislation, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic has considered a number of applications for flexible working arrangements. We recognise that there are benefits in supporting flexible working practices, implementing family friendly initiatives and assisting employees to achieve work-life balance.

All permanent employees are entitled to parental leave provisions over and above statutory minimum requirements, providing additional support for family commitments.

The Powhiri is the beginning of the learning journey for our students and employees. Key strategies dedicated to improve learning outcomes for Maori include bicultural days, specific training for employees on bicultural teaching practices and Foundation Learning initiatives. In addition, a number of leadership positions at the Polytechnic are covered by Maori staff in a relief capacity. We have a dedicated Matauranga Learning Advisor in our Kahurangi Student Services, with the responsibility of providing additional support to Maori students. We celebrated a number of significant events during 2010,including the opening of Te Wharekura o Mauao, the opening of the partnership building, Maharaia, and the installation of new carvings on Pomare. The opening of Te Wharekura o Mauao was an occasion of great pride for iwi and hapu of Tauranga Moana as they finally realised the opportunity for their tamariki wishing to study in a Te Reo immersion environment from Kohanga Reo through primary and secondary education and learning. The opening of Maharaia was an important event for Tauranga Moana as well as the partnership, as the building was dedicated by the Maori King Tuheitia. The occasion saw very strong representation from the Kiingitanga movement, Tainui iwi and other regional tertiary providers.

The Polytechnics revised intranet The Hub was launched in 2010. The intranet is an important communication tool and ensures that all our employees have access to vital information and events taking place on campus.