http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.swift.org.nz en-us Tue, 05 May 2026 22:32:14 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/post/164184/building-clear-workforce-pathways-from-school-to-employment/ Supporting strong, connected workforce pathways is a critical focus for South Waikato and an area where collaboration and shared leadership matter more than ever.Through Project Phoenix, SWIFT is leading a district‑wide piece of work focused on strengthening the education‑to‑employment pathway, ensuring young people can move from school into further education, training, or work with greater clarity, confidence, and support.... Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/#post164184 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/post/164203/backing-local-groups-and-community-wellbeing/ Strong, connected communities are built through the everyday mahi of local clubs, groups, and organisations. The people creating spaces for participation, wellbeing, and belonging across South Waikato.... Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/#post164203 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/post/164183/driver-licences-as-a-pathway-to-opportunity/ Access to a driver licence can be a game changer, especially in regional communities like ours, where transport options can be limited. Having a licence opens doors to employment, training and greater independence. ... Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/#post164183 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/post/164198/from-skills-to-impact-building-local-capability/ Across South Waikato, businesses, not‑for‑profits, and community organisations are navigating increasing complexity: changing economic conditions, workforce pressures, digital transformation, and growing governance responsibilities. Supporting capability across this spectrum continues to be a key focus for SWIFT.Over the past quarter, we’ve continued to deliver and support practical, locally relevant capability‑building initiatives for South Waikato businesses. Importantly, we’ve also ... Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/#post164198 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/post/164190/growing-strong-governance-and-community-leadership/ Across South Waikato, volunteer board members and community leaders play a critical role in stewarding local organisations, making strategic decisions, and supporting long‑term wellbeing.Over the past quarter, SWIFT has continued to invest in governance capability, supporting both current and aspiring board members through a mix of online and in‑person training opportunities.... Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/#post164190 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/post/158223/brooklyns-automotive-career-builds-on-her-two-great-loves/ Brooklyn Webber is well on the way to building a career that combines two of her great loves – tinkering with engines and being outdoors. She is one of 33 recipients of a SWIFT scholarship for 2026, which will help her complete full-time study towards the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) at Toi Ohomai’s Pūkenga Rau campus. Brooklyn’s passion for working on vehicles began at... Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:50:23 +1300 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/#post158223 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/post/155938/empowering-south-waikato-with-proven-innovation-from-abroad/ SWIFT Chief Executive Clive Somerville is one of only nine recipients of the distinguished Winston Churchill Fellowship for 2026, administered by the Department of Internal Affairs.The fellowship will enable him to travel to Europe in 2026 to visit communities that have reinvented themselves following the decline of traditional industries.Reflecting on the win, Clive says, “I’m grateful for this opportunity – it's affirming of the mahi we’re doing here at SWIFT, to ensure South Waikato c... Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:51:35 +1300 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/#post155938 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/post/152305/former-swift-scholarship-recipients-championing-te-reo-maori/ For Tokoroa locals, Cara Ryan and Raiven Trainor, a journey into Te reo Māori began several years ago, when both enrolled in the University of Waikato’s one-year Māori language  programme, Te Tohu Paetahi.  It proved a transformative experience that would shape their futures and forge a special friendship. Both women are now in their final year of Bachelors’ degrees in Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato, receiving SWIFT scholarships in late 2024 to he... Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:25:47 +1200 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/#post152305 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/post/152281/swift-leads-workforce-development-strategy-amid-toi-ohomai-closure-pushback/ In response to the proposed closure of Toi Ohomai’s Tokoroa campus, the South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT) has stepped forward to lead a coordinated workforce development strategy aimed at safeguarding local education and employment pathways. The initiative follows a stakeholder meeting held at the South Waikato District Council on 4 August 2025, where community leaders, educators, and economic development partners gathered to address the implications of the closure.... Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/#post152281 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/post/149354/swift-saddened-to-learn-toi-ohomai-reviewing-tokoroa-education-delivery/ CEO of the South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT), Clive Somerville, says the organisation is saddened to hear Toi Ohomai is evaluating education delivery in Tokoroa.“Based in Pūkenga Rau, Toi Ohomai is an active member and service provider in the South Waikato community.  It was unfortunate to learn that it is evaluating its current position in Tokoroa, with the option being proposed of ceasing its education delivery from the end of 2025. “Our thoughts are with the staff who... Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:07:54 +1200 http://www.swift.org.nz/blog/#post149354