Learning Representatives Education Workshop: Course No 437
Contact: Ross Teppett, 04 385 1334
This two-day course is designed for employees who are elected to the position of employees’ learning representative. These representatives are trained to assist and encourage co-workers with regard to workplace learning, to advocate on behalf of co-workers on learning and career issues, and to work with employers in identifying learning needs and opportunities.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- understand the role of the learning representative
- be able to describe the benefits of workplace learning for employees and employers
- understand issues surrounding literacy and numeracy at work
- be able to describe ways to assist co-workers with learning
- assist in the negotiation of a workplace learning agreement.
Approved for a period of three years from 26 July 2018.
Introductory Course for New Migrant Workers: Course No 503
Contact: Ross Teppett (04) 385 1334
The aim of this course is to increase knowledge amongst new migrant workers in relation to immigration, employment legislation and collective agreements. Confidence in the ability to participate in union activities within their workplace and communities will be established.
By the end of this one-day workshop, participants will be able to:
- identify the different migrant ethnicities and familiarise with their different cultures
- identify the main issues facing new migrant workers and describe ways to address these in relation to immigration law and employment legislation (eg Employment Relations Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, Wages Protection Act), collective agreements and company policies
- identify different ways to increase new migrant workers’ union participation within their workplaces and communities
- understand the motivating factors and barriers that impact new migrant workforce development.
Approved until 13 December 2025.
Organising New Migrant Workers: Course No 504
Contact: Ross Teppett (04) 385 1334
The aim of this course is to increase participants’ knowledge and skills to organise new migrant workers (those who have been in New Zealand less than five years).
By the end of this one-day workshop, participants will be able to:
- identify the different major migrant ethnicities, their reasons for migrating and their employment histories in New Zealand
- identify the main issues facing new migrant workers and describe ways to overcome these
- use communication techniques for the workplace suitable for new migrants
- develop a basic organising plan for a specific workplace
- identify potential new migrant delegates or leaders and use task based development techniques within the workplace
- establish relationships with different migrant organisations and migrant service centres.
Approved until 13 December 2025.
Organising Foundations: Course No 520
Contact: Ross Teppett, 04 385 1334
This is a five-day workshop held in two parts (three days, then two days after a six-eight week break). This course is aimed at paid union officials and senior delegates.
The course aims to increase participants’ organising skills and knowledge. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- use key communication techniques within the workplace
- describe key aspects and techniques of organising within a Union context
- identify the main issues facing NZ workers from a historical and contemporary perspective
- identify workplace issues to organise and educate around
- develop an organising plan focusing on building workplace and industry leadership
- implement strategies to assist them with planning and prioritising their work
- develop strategies and resources to assist in the process of educating delegates
- and members
- undertake a systematic analysis and review of organising plans.
Course approved until 27 March 2024.
This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
Unions at Work: Skills for Effective Workplace Leadership: Course No 523
Contact: Ross Teppett (04) 385 1334
The aim of this course is to increase the participants’ knowledge and confidence in relation to their roles as union delegates within their workplaces and the employment relations process. The course also aims to provide delegates with the appropriate techniques, information and skills to perform these roles and empower other union members.
By the end of this one day course, participants will be able to:
- explain to others the key aspects of unionism and well organised workplaces
- define their role as a union delegate within their industry
- utilise active communication skills when working with other workers and employers
- identify and use the appropriate processes and options for dealing with workplace issues
- be confident in using a range of organising techniques within their workplaces
- undertake a self-initiated task within their workplace to put into practice what they have learnt at the seminar
- deal more confidently with the disciplinary processes within the workplace.
Course approved until 27 March 2024.
This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
Building Diversity Structures: Course No 524
Contact: Ross Teppett (04) 385 1334
The aim of this course is to increase participants’ knowledge around their employment rights in relation to dealing with discrimination, and ways to increase their co-workers’, employers’ and others’ understanding of queer workers’ issues. This course also aims to increase skills involved in dealing with employment relationship problems, setting up a queer workers’ network and educating other workers in relation to LGBTI workers’ issues.
By the end of this one day course, participants will be able to:
- identify how rights for LGBTI workers have come about
- explain role of unions and their structures for supporting LGBTI workers
- complete an analysis of their own union’s LGBTI structures and issues
- outline at least one problem solving process that can be used to resolve issues
- describe the elements of strategic campaigning and planning.
Approved until 13 December 2025.
Organising in Our Industries: Course No 526
Contact: Ross Teppett (04) 385 1334
This two-day course is aimed at union delegates, other workplace leaders or those holding representative roles (for example, Learning Representatives, Health and Safety Representatives). They may come from a specific industry, a selected range of industries, or a targeted enterprise. Other potential participants may include union officials and union members. The course has been constructed so it can be facilitated flexibility in a modular way – either as a two-day workshop, two one-day workshops or as four sessions up to three hours each.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- analyse the structure of their industry or enterprise and the employment relationships that exist within it
- analyse workplace issues that affect working conditions, workplace relationships, union organisation and industry development, and identify possible solutions for them
- apply a range of organising techniques to increase participation of workers within their union
- describe the benefits and impacts of building worker networks across the industry in relation to employment relationships and union organisation
- undertake a self-initiated task or union activity using the skills and knowledge they have gained from participating in the programme.
Course approved until 27 March 2024.
This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
Educating to Organise: Course No 568
Contact: Ross Teppett (04) 385 1334
The aim of this course is to increase participants’ knowledge around the process of learning, the principles of learning, and the principles of adult education within the union education context. The course also aims to increase participants’ skills and knowledge in relation to facilitating education activities and sessions.
By the end of the three-day course, participants will be able to:
- identify the differences between course aims, outcomes and assessment techniques
- describe the process of learning and how workers learn
- utilise the principles of adult learning within the context of union education
- use visual aids within education sessions
- use activity based learning education exercises
- establish and maintain a positive group dynamic in learning sessions or workshops
- use appropriate techniques for dealing with difficult participants
- use role play, case studies and generating ideas activities in their union education
- plan and facilitate an education session.
Course approved until 27 March 2024.
This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
Pacific Peoples at Work: Komiti Pasifika Fono: Course No 624
Contact: Ross Teppett (04) 385 1334
This two-day Fono is aimed at Pacific union delegates, workplace leaders and union members. It is designed to build skills, confidence and greater understanding around how Pacific workers can effectively contribute to creating more productive employment relationships and workplaces in line with the principle objectives of the Employment Relations Act (ERA).
By the end of the Fono, participants will be able to:
- describe the key elements of the objectives of the Employment Relations Act as these relate to their own workplace, particularly the meaning and operation of good faith
- outline the broad issues facing Pacific workers in the New Zealand labour market and economy
- outline strategies for addressing the economic issues facing Pacific workers
- describe various practical actions that they can take to build more productive employment relationships in their own workplaces.
Course approved until 27 March 2024.
This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
Building Communication Skills: Course No 703
Contact: Ross Teppett, 04 385 1334
This is a one-day course, the course has been constructed so it can be facilitated flexibly in a modular way – either as a full one-day workshop or as two half sessions of up to four hours each. This course is aimed at union delegates, workplace leaders and those holding representative roles.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- describe the key features and principles of effective communication
- demonstrate a range of key communication skills including note-taking, active listening, public speaking and assertiveness
- describe how to communicate complex messages or information in a clear way for a range of audiences
- demonstrate communicating confidently and effectively on a key issue to a simulated audience.
Approved for a period of three years from 26 July 2018.
Stand up For Youth: Course No 714
Contact: Ross Teppett, 027 591 0034
The aim of this course is to empower young people to become productive participants in the workforce, with a better understanding of the employment law framework and its application.
By the end of this two-day course, participants will be able to:
- describe the democratic structure of their union and the NZCTU, including the Stand Up representative structure
- outline a range of generic barriers faced by young working people in their jobs and unions – and list some strategies to address these barriers
- describe the key steps for effective participation and significant elements of these current employment-related laws pertinent to young working people
- describe the rights and obligations, behaviours and processes that enhance the application of good faith relationships at work.
Course approved until 26 March 2026.
This course is also approved for use by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and affiliated unions.
Building Pasifika Voice: Course No 716
Contact: Ross Teppett, 027 591 0034
This two-day programme aims to explore how Pasifika working people can play a more productive and active role in the workplace and their union organisations by learning new skills and knowledge to enhance their representation and contribution opportunities.
The programme also examines key employment and health and safety laws to build participants’ knowledge and confidence on applying these laws at work to enhance their productive potential. This programme can be facilitated flexibly and is available for use by any union affiliated to the NZCTU.
Course approved until 26 March 2026.
This course is also approved for use by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and affiliated unions.
Working Women and their Unions: Building Strength and Leadership - Introductory Workshop: Course No 719
Contact: Ross Teppett, 027 591 0034
This one-day workshop aims to build the skills, knowledge and understanding of participants in relation to:
- the status of working women in New Zealand, and internationally
- empowering women workers as active and productive participants in the employment relationship, their unions and the community
- developing plans to improve working life for working women.
Course approved until 26 March 2026.
This course is also approved for use by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and affiliated unions.
Working Women and their Unions: Building Strength and Leadership - Advanced Workshop: Course No 720
Contact: Ross Teppett, 027 591 0034
This two-day workshop aims to build the skills, knowledge and understanding of participants in relation to:
- the status of working women in New Zealand, and internationally
- empowering women workers as active and productive participants in the employment relationship, their unions and the community
- developing plans to improve working life for working women.
Course approved until 26 March 2026.
This course is also approved for use by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and affiliated unions.
An introduction to Fair Pay Agreements: Course No 723
Contact: Ross Teppett, (04) 801 0835
This half-day workshop aims to deepen participants’ knowledge and understanding of the concept of Fair Pay Agreements, as envisioned by the Government-appointed Fair Pay Agreement Working Group. This short course looks at how a fair pay agreement approach to bargaining could be beneficial to employers and employees in a sector or industry through the reduction of wage competition and achieving higher productivity.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- outline the summary findings of the Fair Pay Agreement Working Group
- explain the link between Fair Pay Agreements and the potential for higher workplace productivity
- explain how fair pay agreements would align with the principles and object of the Employment Relations Act 2000.
Course approved until 13 December 2025.
This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
Making Work Better – Fair Pay Agreements: Course No 724
Contact: Ross Teppett, (04) 801 0835
This one-day workshop examines the findings of the Government-appointed Fair Pay Agreement Working Group in relation to the scope and design of a system of sector or occupation wide bargaining, which sets minimum terms and conditions of employment. The course looks at how this bargaining arrangement can be beneficial to both employers and employees in terms of reducing wage competition, as well as raising workplace productivity and the potential flow-on effect this can have to achieving better pay and conditions for employees.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- describe the key steps in the development of collective wage bargaining in New Zealand
- describe a range of overseas bargaining models and their comparison with the concept of fair pay agreements
- outline the summary findings of the government-commissioned Fair Pay Agreement Working Group
- explain the link between fair pay agreements and the potential for higher workplace productivity
- explain how fair pay agreements would align with the principles and objectives of the Employment Relations Act 2000.
Course approved until 13 December 2025.
This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
Leading in Campaigns: Course No 725
Contact: Ross Teppett, (04) 801 0835
This one-day workshop aims to build the skills, knowledge and understanding of participants in relation to campaigning theory and practice. It explores how they can take the lead to maximise member participation, and the deep learning opportunities that can be generated from involvement in campaigns. The course recognises working people face many challenges in today’s dynamic and rapidly changing economy, and in response to this there is a need for skilled workplace leadership to shape and influence outcomes that can create better quality jobs and a more secure future within the framework of the Employment Relations Act 2000.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- describe the reasons why members may wish to take a campaigning approach to addressing workplace issues
- describe the key skills required for campaign planning and development
- explain the role of workplace leadership in the running of successful campaigns
- explain the link between campaigning outcomes and the objectives of the Act.
Course approved until 13 December 2025.
This course is also approved for use by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and affiliated unions.
Organising for Healthier and Safer Workplaces: Course No 726
Contact: Ross Teppett, (04) 801 0835
This two-day workshop aims to build the skills, knowledge and understanding of participants to ensure they can contribute to building sustainable processes and practices that create good health and safety systems in the workplace. The course examines the key elements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and associated regulations, to ensure participants can communicate confidently with employers and employees about the proper and effective operation of the law in the workplace. A key feature of the course is understanding the rights and responsibilities of health and safety representatives, and how to go about creating the right conditions for their election, support, learning and development.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- explain the key principles and practices that underpin good health and safety in the workplace
- outline the key elements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- explain the basic rights and responsibilities of elected health and safety representatives
- explain the process of risk management and the role of workplace participation agreements.
Course approved until 13 December 2025.
This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
Learning Campaigns: Course No 727
Contact: Ross Teppett, 027 591 0034
This half-day programme is an introduction to the key elements of successful campaigns that contribute to improving the quality of working life, and the role that can be played by workplace member-leaders. It examines the skills and knowledge required for success, and the goal of maximising the learning and participation of members.
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
- describe the reasons why members may wish to take a campaigning approach to addressing workplace issues
- describe the key skills required for campaign planning and development
- explain the importance of the object of the ERA 2000 as the over-arching legal backdrop for campaign-related learning and activity.
First approved: 26 March 2026
Diverse Cultures Workshop: Course No 732
Contact: Ross Teppett, 04 801 0835
A workshop to build the skills, knowledge and understanding of participants in relation to:
- the needs and issues of union members from diverse cultures in relation to their what happens in their workplaces and unions
- identifying and developing a strategic approach to enable greater participation of union members from diverse cultures in their workplaces and unions
- building and sustaining an effective representation structure within the NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi (NZCTU TKK) constitutional framework that provides for greater voice and representation and the positive flow-on effects that come with this.
Course approved until 3 August 2024.
This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
Te Reo Kia Rere: Course No 733
Contact: Ross Teppett, 04 801 0835
This course is primarily aimed at Kaimahi Māori Unionists. It aims to build Te Reo Māori me ngā tikanga skills, knowledge, competency, and confidence of course participants, primary kaimahi Māori unionists, in relation to the use of Te Reo Māori me ngā tikanga at mahi, kāinga, and in the hapori.
By the conclusion of the course participants will be able to:
- identify and pronounce Te Reo Māori
- introduce themselves in Te Reo Māori and count
- identify and use appropriate tense markers
- have a basic conversation in Te Reo Māori
- identify and use tikanga Māori at mahi, kāinga, and hapori.
Course approved until 3 August 2024.
This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
A Beginners Guide to Fair Pay Agreements: Course No 734
Contact: Ross Teppett, 04 801 0835
This is a course for union delegates, members and general workers from targeted occupations, workplaces and/or industries where there are likely to be negotiations for a Fair Pay Agreement.
The course aims to deepen participants’ knowledge and understanding of the concept of Fair Pay Agreements, as envisioned by the Government-appointed Fair Pay Agreement Working Group.
The course covers:
- understanding what a Fair Pay Agreement will do in their occupation/sector
- how to be involved in initiating negotiations for a Fair Pay Agreement.
By the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to:
- outline at least one key finding of the Fair Pay Agreement Working Group
- outline the basic steps in the negotiation process for a Fair Pay Agreement
- explain workers' involvement in initiating negotiations for a Fair Pay Agreement.
Course approved until 13 December 2025.
Creating Positive Workplaces: Course No 735
Contact: Ross Teppett, 04 801 0835
The aim of this one-day course is to build the skills, knowledge and understanding of participants to develop respectful workplace cultures and prevent bullying and harassment in their workplace.
By the conclusion of the course participants will be able to:
- identify features of proactive, respectful workplace cultures
- identify negative features of workplaces
- explain what bullying and harassment is and what it is not
- identify legislation and duties in relation to bullying and harassment
- identify steps that can be taken to support a worker who raises a bullying or harassment complaint
- use a risk management approach to identify and manage organisational features that increase the likelihood of bullying and harassment and to promote acceptable behaviour agreements
- plan actions to create proactive, respectful workplace cultures.
Course approved until 3 September 2026.
Using De-escalation to Deal with Conflict and Aggression: Course No 736
Contact: Ross Teppett, 04 801 0835
This one-day course is for workers, delegates, health and safety representatives (HSRs), team leaders and managers who have an interest in learning more about how to use a de-escalation approach when faced with a conflict or threatening situation.
By the conclusion of the course participants will be able to:
- identify unacceptable, aggressive, and violent behaviours
- define de-escalation
- outline the science and research around why people behave in an aggressive or violent way
- review legislation and how it relates to de-escalation
- explain strategies to allow them to defuse a difficult situation and protect themselves
- explain how HSRs can support workers when unacceptable behaviour incidents happen
- plan actions to create a supportive work environment that allows workers to debrief and reboot following these episodes.
Course approved until 3 September 2026.
Preventing and Managing Fatigue: Course No 737
Contact: Ross Teppett, 04 801 0835
This one-day course is for workers, workplace leaders, health and safety representatives, team leaders and managers. The course aims to build skills, knowledge, and understanding of participants in relation to knowing how to prevent and effectively address fatigue issues in their workplace.
By the conclusion of the course participants will be able to:
- outline the major causes of workplace fatigue
- outline the range of safety and health impacts of fatigue
- explain the employer’s legislative duty to manage the hazards of fatigue
- explain the role of Health and Safety Representatives with regards to making recommendations to improve fatigue management
Course approved until 3 September 2026.
Kaimahi Whaikaha (Workers with Disabilities: Building Voice and Participation): Course No 731
Contact: Ross Teppett, 04 801 0835
This one-day programme is designed to build the skills, knowledge and understanding of participants in relation to the needs and issues of unionised workers with disabilities in relation to what happens in their workplaces and unions.
It focuses on developing collective strategies for greater participation of disabled workers in workplaces and unions, as well as how to achieve greater voice and representation of union members with disabilities within their workplaces and the broader union movement. The programme will equip participants with a better understanding of the legal framework, including the ERA 2000 and other relevant employment-related legislation.
Course approved until 3 August 2024.
This course is approved for use by any union affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.