1500 Ara workers have just one week to sign new employment at national organisation

Over 1500 employees at Ara Institute of Canterbury have today received an offer of employment letter to join Te Pūkenga, in preparation for the institution’s legal transition on 1 November.

Staff have been invited to sign and return the letter to move their current salary, leave entitlements, benefits and conditions of work onto a new employment contract with Te Pūkenga.

No jobs were lost.

Darren Mitchell, Chief Executive of Ara said “we want to make sure we transition safely and give employees time to consider their employment contracts before the formal disestablishment of Ara.”

"All existing entitlements will be protected and maintained, so we see this as a step that necessarily precedes the transition to becoming a business unit of Te Pūkenga. It’s just about looking after our people and ensuring their continuity of employment as we become part of the new national organisation."

Tertiary Education Union, the dominant union for Te Pūkenga, said the shift to the new employer is not unexpected.

"TEU have worked with Te Pukenga to ensure that members current terms, conditions and service are not impacted as a result of the change in employer. Members can remain confident that they continue to be covered by the Collective Agreement."

All staff, including those on part-time, fixed term, and casual contracts, have one week to seek legal, union, or other advice and return the signed letter.