Friday 11 June 2021
Human Resources Manager Teresa Tararo from the Office of the Public Service Commissioner travelled to the Pa Enua Tokerau recently to conduct the Public Service Induction training over a two week starting 31 May 2021.
The Public Service Induction covered topics on the Code of Conduct in the Workplace, the Public Service Values (Honesty, Impartiality, Service, Transparency, Accountability, Respect, Effectiveness, and Efficiency), Workplace Bullying, Leave entitlements, and the Machinery of Government. Participants were advised of the importance to adhere to the Public Service values in delivering work programmes to the community. Moreover, they were informed of their respective organisational structures, so they could see where each employee was placed in the Island Government and how they contributed to the development of their respective islands. The participants were introduced to the relevant Cook Islands Government HR Policies, and were asked to translate these into their respective Reo Maori dialects, and then teach it to their focus groups. Participants were also given the opportunity to discuss and agree on the Public Service Values, in particular, what each value meant, and how they would expect these values to be practiced in their workplaces, and what the workplace environment/culture would be like with or without the values.
A common observation made by our public service colleagues working for the Island Governments of Tongareva, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Pukapuka was “… the ease with which the flow of the discussions and engagement took place, because the training was delivered in Te Reo Maori, which enhanced their understanding of the topics. The sessions were successful because we were able to easily understand one another.” said Human Resource Manager, Teresa Tararo. “Moreover, Tararo advised, it is extremely important for Government representatives from Rarotonga travelling to the Pa Enua, that they deliver their information and presentations in Cook Islands Maori.”
Tararo was impressed with the way the employees were able to unpack the different sections in the Code of Conduct Policy (Misconduct, Serious Misconduct, and Investigation and Appeal steps). “I was highly impressed by the team leaders of Tawa Lalo-Pukapuka, who demonstrated their ability to simplify words, translate each step into te reo Wale, and then present each step to the Workshop” Tararo stated.
Once the participants understood the training content, and identified the relevance of each to their unique contexts, they were able to provide feedback with ease and were open to sharing about their daily work place experiences in the Pa Enua. “The typical humorous nature of our people made the training sessions enjoyable while embedding the learning. It was encouraging to note through the evaluation feedback their desire to strive towards achieving the Public Service Vision of a “Public Service of Excellence”, concluded Tararo.
Meitaki poria, meitaki korereka, atawai wolo ye maneke, meitaki nui to all the Executive Officers, Mayors, and the people of Tongareva, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Pukapuka for your welcoming, friendly and humorous hospitality.
ENDS