GRIP NZ

Get to know some of our GRIP team: the cool version

As we approach GRIP’s first birthday, we’ve been reflecting on just how much has been achieved in our first year.

In a short space of time, GRIP has grown into a kaupapa-led whānau - partnering with purpose, building strong relationships across industry and schools, and achieving PTE status, a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. Alongside this, we’ve been creating real, meaningful pathways for ākonga and new trainees.

Looking ahead to 2026, the momentum is strong and the future is exciting. Growth for us has always been about people, and who we choose to have on the waka matters.

It feels only right to head into the new year welcoming two incredible new team members to the GRIP whānau.

2026 is already shaping up to be something special.

Mā te manaaki, mā te pono, ka eke te waka - Through care and integrity, we move forward together.

Our GRIP whanau have all travelled back to their regions feeling full of aroha and are grateful for the time we had to celebrate GRIP as we steam ahead to close our first year 🥰

We love what we do, we love the support and we absolutely love our culture we’ve built

Our GRIP team is heading to Wellington next week for the national CATE Conference, and we’re excited to connect kanohi ki te kanohi with the incredible career advisors, educators, and partners who uplift rangatahi every day.

This year is extra special because Kelly will be speaking at the conference. If you’re attending, come along to her session on Tuesday 2nd December at 11.30am to hear her kōrero on supporting ākonga and building real industry pathways grounded in kaupapa Māori - Hands On, Futures Open: The Power of Real Experience.

If you’re at CATE, please come and say kia ora. We’d love to kōrero about the journeys your ākonga are on, the opportunities ahead, and how we can work together to honour their strengths and aspirations.

He waka eke noa, we’re all in this together.
See you soon CATE whānau.