NOA – Village of Learning

NOA acknowledges the contributions of RSE workers to our horticulture and viticulture industries through the sharing of education to help ensure a reciprocal and balanced relationship. 

• Balance & Reciprocity In order for there to be balance and harmony, reciprocity between parties must occur to ensure that both sides are mutually benefitting from a relationship.   

• Commonality & Freedom To be commonplace or ordinary is to be free of tapu, unrestricted by the rigidity of sacred or formal procedure. In this sense, NOA speaks to liberation through commonality – normalising through constant practice or acknowledgement.  

• Nothing is off the table In the context of Talanoa, NOA refers to the idea that there is nothing that cannot be spoken about, allowing for holistic conversation to take place. This captures the essence of NOA, demonstrating both the freedom and balance it facilitates when acknowledged. 

The RSE Worker Training Program funded by MFAT through the NZ International Development Cooperation Programme.

NOA – About our logo

• The ‘tanoa’ or kava bowl is reflective of the relational exchange between NOA and the RSE learners – sharing of knowledge and space.  
• The manu (birds) represent the hardworking spirit of the labour force, soaring above the challenges with resilience and determination. Though birds seasonally migrate from place to place, they always return home – a visual parallel to the journey of RSE workers. 
• NOA also celebrates the 3 different groups of the Pacific region (Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia). 

Pacific Advisory Group – RSE

To ensure NOA delivers quality vocational education and training, we have established a Pacific Advisory Group.   The membership consists of Pacific community leaders and educators. The overarching aim of this group is to:

• Enhance cultural relevancy & effectiveness of the training & delivery.
• Educational content and delivery are relevant and responsive to needs of Pasifika learners.
• Inform development & implementation of educational strategies.
• Provide insight as to the relevance of courses to support reintegration.

Your NOA Team

Meriama Taufale – RSE National Operations Manager, mtaufale@eit.ac.nz  
Meriama leads & manages the implementation and delivery of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Worker Training Programme Phase III.  She manages the contractual activities and staffing for the RSE Operations Team. 

Tumema Mita’i – Stakeholder & Relationships Manager, tmitai@eit.ac.nz 
As the Stakeholder and Relationships Manager, Tumema is responsible for building and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders involved in the national delivery of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Training Programme Phase III.   

Shelley Oliver – Program Delivery Manager, soliver@eit.ac.nz 
Shelley is responsible for the national delivery & implementation of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Training Programme Phase III. Shelley plans, organises and manages the national delivery of the NIU and MANAVA courses. 

Marion Iosefo – Skills & Development Training Manager, miosefo@eit.ac.nz 
Marion is responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the courses required for national delivery and implementation Programme in New Zealand.  This role ensures that the training programmes are developed to be inclusive, culturally responsive and encompass Pacifica pedagogy and methodologies.    

Seepa Fa’amausili – Administration Coordinator, sfaamausili@eit.ac.nz 
Seepa coordinates and provide administrative support for delivery of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Training Programme Phase III. 

EIT launches next phase of RSE training programme

EIT has officially launched a refreshed phase of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Worker Training Programme, set to equip thousands of Pacific seasonal workers with practical skills.

The new programme, known as NOA Village of Learning, marks the beginning of Phase III of the MFAT-funded initiative, which has been running since 2007. The contract, which was awarded to EIT at the end of last year, will see the institute deliver more than 150 courses annually to up to 2,250 RSE workers across the country.

EIT awarded RSE worker training contract

EIT has been awarded a contract to provide Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers with education and training opportunities over the next five years.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) confirmed that EIT won the tender for Phase III of the RSE Worker Training Programme, which provides opportunities for Pacific RSE workers to access skills training while in New Zealand. The programme offers opportunities for RSE workers to develop meaningful and transferable skills that support the sectors that work in and deliver tangible benefits to the participating Pacific countries.