Filipo Talamaivao received a huge confidence boost when Tupu Aotearoa service provider In-Work Whanganui went the extra mile to assist him with his employment goals.
“I have never been part of any programme like Tupu Aotearoa, where the people supporting you go above and beyond to help me achieve my goals that otherwise I could not have done on my own,” Filipo says.
Of Samoan descent, 38-year-old Filipo arrived in New Zealand 27 years ago.
He was raised in Palmerston North and still lives there – and is considered a true Manawatu local.
Before joining the Tupu Aotearoa programme via service provider In-Work Whanganui, Filipo started teaching English as a Second Language (ESOL) at a local Adventist high school in Palmerston North, as well as tutoring English speakers in the Samoan language.
In-Work is New Zealand’s largest private provider of welfare to work programmes and it delivers consistently high social outcomes through business innovated solutions.
The provider aims to prepare people for work, place people into work, support people at work and retain people in work – and it is accessible in Waikato, Manawatu-Whanganui, and Auckland.
Filipo explains that Tupu Aotearoa and Bobbie Roberts – his caseworker at In-Work - assisted him to gain qualification for ESOL as he had been teaching without one.
“The programme referred me to New Zealand Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education (NZCALNE) online to gain this qualification,” he says.
“Tupu Aotearoa also contacted the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for me to become GST Registered in order for me to receive payment for teaching Samoan.”
The IRD has organised to contact Filipo to arrange for an advisor to meet with him to discuss GST, PAYE, filing returns and help him understand how to manage his finances.
“It will be extremely helpful, and I would definitely recommend others to join the Tupu Aotearoa programme because they go the extra mile for you.
“It has given me confidence knowing I have great support from my wonderful case worker and Tupu Aotearoa to achieve my goals.”
Previously known as the Pacific Employment Support Service (PESS), Tupu Aotearoa is about connecting Pacific people with local providers who will help with things such as upskilling and training; preparation for job interviews; and with finding employment.
Tupu Aotearoa’s support for New Zealand’s Pacific people 15 years and above, who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, has been expanded into various metropolitan and regional areas.
Visit MPP for more information about Tupu Aotearoa.