(Picture caption: JNP Aviation is working towards removing barriers for Pacific peoples in the aviation industry.)
A Mount Maunganui-based airport services organisation is working towards removing barriers in a niche market, often perceived as a challenging area for Pacific peoples to work in.
JNP Aviation provides aviation ground services to 10 ports across Aotearoa, contracting to Air New Zealand.
Chief Executive Officer Josh Payne says one of JNP Aviation’s primary business objectives is to support and promote Pacific and Māori aviation staff as the driving force in aviation in New Zealand.
“We can do this through education, encouragement, inclusiveness and empowerment,” says Josh, who is also the CEO of JNP Aviation Training – an education provider located right next door.
Last year, the organisation received funding from round two of the Tauola Business Fund, established as part of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ Pacific Business Village framework.
The fund aims to boost investment into Pacific businesses across Aotearoa to increase regional productivity, scale businesses, increase employment and ensure participation in economic development projects.
Financial support from the Tauola Business Fund went towards JNP Aviation Training’s aircraft, a unique and innovative training tool for ground services staff employed by JNP Aviation and those training with JNP Aviation Training, General Manager Alice Jones explains.
“Aviation does have a relatively high proportion of Pasifika in ground operations; however, these staff are limited to entry level jobs,” Alice says.
“JNP Aviation further supports our Pasifika staff via the Tupu Aotearoa scheme, another MPP initiative, which JNP Aviation accesses through provider SENZ.
“Tupu Aotearoa has helped new Pasifika employees afford higher training and education through JNP Aviation Training and driver licencing, while working with JNP Aviation.”
Meanwhile, the JNP Aviation CEO adds that while the organisation financially supports the training school, it also covers all workplace training for new employees.
“All funding assistance the Ministry provides goes towards our Pasifika staff in employment and education and assists one of JNP Aviation’s primary business objective to support and promote both Pasifika and Māori people as the driving force in aviation in New Zealand,” Josh says.
JNP Aviation has clearly identified a self-perceived barrier for Pacific peoples, of not wanting to put themselves forward for opportunities, he continues.
"These opportunities may be higher paid roles, roles with new skills and training or those roles with more responsibility.
“JNP Aviation wants to remove these barriers – especially in aviation - where there appears to be a perception that it’s not a place for Pasifika.
“The overarching goal is to provide opportunities for existing Pasifika staff and new employees to move into new roles, take on more responsibility and higher paid roles and to encourage and support and motivate Pasifika, moving away from any ‘stuck spots’ of contentment and complacency.
“Our Pacific employees have the preconceived idea that aviation is out of reach and have been reluctant and still are to apply for roles in aviation because they have thought they need high level qualifications for any entry level job in aviation.”
Visit the JNP Aviation and JNP Aviation Training websites for more information.