Trust Tairāwhiti has approved a distribution of $68,500 to Rāngai Ltd to expand its tertiary education offerings, including bachelor degrees, for students in the region.
The funding will support Rāngai to create a range of educational and vocational pathways through its partnership with the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) and Southern Institute of Technology.
Rāngai, a commercial studio and educational provider, will introduce three bachelor-level courses, providing a university alternative in Tairāwhiti dedicated to STEM subjects. With the capacity to support more than 70 students annually, Rāngai will offer a Bachelor of Screen Arts with majors in film, animation, game design and concept art and design.
They will also offer a new course for secondary school and kura students through the EIT Trades Academy. It will benefit up to 20 students annually and form part of an integrated course that includes fashion (costume design), film and game development. A cohort of 14 students have already enrolled.
Director, Shannon Dowsing says, “Introducing programmes in emerging industries has always been a goal, even if the industry does not yet exist in Tairāwhiti.”
After finishing their studies with Rāngai, students are highly employable due to the experience gained from the organisation's established commercial partnerships.
“Our students are already being flown out of the region for legitimate commercial work. They’re getting paid to film news for Whakaata Māori and doing bilingual commentary for Super Rugby,” says Dowsing.
“We’ve been able to work on different income models than most universities. It’s about reducing students’ participation costs, ensuring they can afford what they need through employment.
"Last year, our students earned more than their education costs. This helped many of them to participate.”
Rāngai focuses on fair outcomes, reducing financial constraints and encouraging local rangatahi to enter media pathways. Looking after their students as individuals enables Rāngai to build a whānau atmosphere.
Relationships with mana whenua empower Rāngai kaimahi and students, 60 per cent of which are Māori. There is a commitment to te reo and its use in production, along with partnerships with Whakaata Māori, Māori groups, businesses and iwi.
“Understanding who we are and how we’re placed in this world with a Māori perspective gives students more confidence.”
This funding will enable more opportunities for students and contribute to a skilled workforce in Tairāwhiti.