Introducing Mata Ārahi Manomano, our new career pathway framework!
Mata Ārahi Manomano was developed in partnership with Ohu Ahumahi Workforce Development Councils. This innovative framework is now live across all Workforce Development Councils (WDCs), setting the stage for a transformative approach to career planning and development.
The development of Mata Ārahi Manomano was led by Ringa Hora senior pathways advisor Hinewai Quensell. The framework aims to assist learners and their whānau in navigating career pathways, provides best practice guidelines for Ohu Ahumahi on advocating for career pathways within their industries, and highlights a consistent approach to reviewing and creating pathways. It also serves as a tool for providers and industries, helping them better prepare to receive our ākonga learners.
When it came to naming the framework, Hinewai called on the expertise of Robbie Paul and Te Hapimana King from Waihanga Ara Rau.
“There’s been so many pathways that are from the past; there’s present pathways, but there’s also a whole lot in the future that are unseen. So I just wanted something that would encapsulate that and tell that story, so ‘face of innumerable pathways’, or ‘Mata Ārahi Manomano'”.
The framework honours the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by applying a te ao Māori perspective combined with career development theory and practice that promotes a partnership model focused on ākonga learners. Three atua, Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, Maui, and Tāne-au-kaha, are kaitiaki for the framework, with aspects of each atua reflected in the six pou – Aroha, Aspiration, Adventure, Attitude, Action and Angitu.
In implementing Mata Ārahi Manomano for Ringa Hora, Hinewai finds the new framework helps to foster dialogue with learners, employees, tāngata whenua, and industry, and ensures the continuation of industry input in qualifications.
“The pou have become key talking points and help to generate conversations. Depending how you utilise the framework, they can help guide learners or they can help you review qualifications. That was one of the key things we considered when developing Mata Ārahi Manomano. We don’t want it to be so rigid that people can’t see themselves utilising the tool. We wanted it to be liberal enough that people could see it is able to be applied in different ways,” Hinewai said.
The visual representation of Mata Ārahi Manomano, with its circular form, symbolises the many entry points into a career, the journey from the unknown into clarity, the transferability of skills across industries, and a dedication to ensuring inclusivity, accessibility, and fair and equitable outcomes.
Mata Ārahi Manomano will enable Ringa Hora to improve our overall effectiveness in supporting career development across all sectors and contribute to an education system that allows people to reach their full potential in any occupation.
“We can use the same kōrero with industry: what are their dreams and aspirations, and as a Workforce Development Council, how can we help them achieve those goals through what our products are in terms of supplying them with good qualifications, good standards, good micro-credentials,” said Hinewai.
To learn more about Mata Ārahi Manomano, watch the full interview here.
