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International engagements lead to enrolments
Japanese education providers and students are booking Whanganui visits following successful international education engagements with local secondary schools.
Whanganui & Partners is facilitating Techweek for the region and has announced a diverse round-up of events available. Techweek is a nationwide series of events, showcasing and celebrating New Zealand innovation, running from May 16 to 22.
Lou Walker, the economic development agency’s strategic lead of capability, said the week had events to appeal to a wide audience from learners to those highly experienced in the tech world.
“This is a great opportunity to learn more about Whanganui’s strengths in the tech field while upskilling and making connections with others interested in the tech sector.”
There are events unique to Whanganui running over the course of the week and people were also welcome to join national events online, Walker said.
One Whanganui event highlighting a very recent field of development in the tech world was exceptional nationally and internationally. An Eager Beaver Kōrero on NFTs would be presented by Sons of Zion band member Riapo Panapa.
“Lots of people will be fans of Sons of Zion and recognise how talented and creative they are in the music industry, but they might not know that through Eager Beaver these music stars are blazing an innovative path in the tech field too.”
Walker says this event needs to be attended to fully appreciate and grasp what Eager Beaver is achieving through the utilisation of NFT technology.
This event will leave you inspired and empowered to participate in the tech and digital sector in ways that work for you, Riapo will be talking about how innovation can drive positive change – for creators and the wider community.”
Another extraordinary event would see the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy allow the public to experience their flight simulators. It is an experience sure to thrill plane enthusiasts and people curious about the world-class flight academy’s facility.
“Flying the simulators is so much fun and it really gives you an appreciation of how exceptional this facility is, and what an incredible experience it is to be in charge in a cockpit.”
Pounga Wai – A Digital River is another event Walker says will be fascinating for the public and offers a chance to experience how creativity is flourishing in this UNESCO City of Design.
Pounga wai is the term used to describe ‘displaced water’ from the activity of paddling a waka. it can be translated to “the standing waters”.
“In the Pounga Wai creative project, people stand in a digital current with the water flowing around their reflection. Lead designer Cecelia Kumeroa will provide a kōrero on the project and a demonstration of a procedural animation with human interactivity.”
Another event was sure to attract young people and their parents, Walker said.
“We’re excited about the gaming event – which will help parents understand how their children can find career pathways in tech, and which will demystify the gaming world for those adults who worry about their children’s safety and health online.”
Of special interest to the agricultural sector is an event with presentations from leading agriculture technology companies to discuss how new innovations can help grow ag-businesses, increase productivity and maximise profitability.
There are a range of other opportunities to take part in over the course of the week too, Walker said.
Whanganui & Partners will be hosting an event to help businesses make use of its Talent Connect app – which matches employers with the skills they need in employees. Walker said at this event, users would be helped to register their business on the app and to understand how the app can be used to connect with skilled staff and network with people looking for employment in the future.
For people who wanted to understand and access resources available to the Whanganui community, a number of events held by Whanganui District Library would be highly beneficial, Walker said.
“We also have a tech sector networking event, an online presentation on the Historic Rates Records Database project through the Whanganui District Council, and an event helping people upskill through LinkedIn Learning’s business, technology and creative courses.”
You can learn about these courses and all of the events running during Techweek here.
