’Maoris must gel qualifications'

Press, 13 April 1978, Page 18

’Maoris must gel qualifications'

PA Wellington Maoris could not hope to compete for worthwhile occupations until they obtained University Entrance or, at the very least. School Certificate, the Secretary for Maori Affairs (Mr K. Puketapu), has said. . He was commenting on difficulties outlined bv a Wellington Polytechnic tutor, Mr M. Winiata. who is conducting a course for 30 Maori country girls to prepare them for city jobs. Mr Winiata said that none of the girls had been placed in spite of the efforts of the Vocational Guidance Service in arranging interviews, and he feared they might have to return home where jobs were even scarcer.

Mr Puketapu said that the girl’s slim employment prospects emphasised the

need for Maoris to remain at school to arm themselves with necessary qualifications.

He said that all secondary schools were being visited by impart,. ‘il community officers who, as well as identifying the “fast streamers.” were encouraging all Maori pupils to stay on at school. Parents and school authorities had also been alerted to the need to assist pupils requiring extra help. Mr Puketapu said that in previous years country girls had passed directly from their three-week course into jobs. But the shortage of work, and increased competition, had disrupted the normal assimilation patterns with some youngsters still unemployed from previous Polytechnic courses.