Edvance Workplace Education

A highlight of the recent NZ L&D Leadership Summit for the Edvance team was seeing Jo Austin and Hope Laurence take the stage to present on "The Hidden Skill Gap Costing Your Business."

Their session challenged a common assumption in workplace learning: that every performance issue is a training issue.

Through practical examples and audience discussion, Jo and Hope explored how the real causes of workplace challenges can often lie elsewhere – in communication, confidence, leadership, systems, processes or role clarity.

One message that particularly resonated with attendees was: "The most expensive training intervention is the one solving the wrong problem." For Learning & Development professionals, taking the time to diagnose the root cause of a challenge before designing a solution can make the difference between activity and impact.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended the session, shared their perspectives, and contributed to the discussion. The level of engagement and curiosity in the room was fantastic.

We're proud to have been part of a conference focused on helping organisations create meaningful learning experiences that deliver real results.

What a fantastic experience sponsoring and attending the NZ L&D Leadership Summit in Auckland last week.

This year's theme, "Learning Together Matters! Harnessing the power of collective intelligence to shape change", provided the perfect backdrop for two days of connection, learning and inspiring conversations with Learning & Development professionals from across Aotearoa.

A huge thank you to the HR Leadership Network (APAC) team for hosting such a valuable event, and to everyone who visited the Edvance stand to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas. We left with new perspectives, valuable connections, and plenty of inspiration for the future.

Congratulations to our conference prize draw winners, Jo from Kiwibank and Becky from Juken New Zealand - JNL. Jo won a complimentary workplace training workshop, and both winners received a magnum of Drappier Carte d'Or Champagne. We're grateful to our friends at Hancocks Family Merchants for generously donating the champagne and helping us celebrate the fantastic L&D professionals who attended the summit.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to connect with us. We look forward to continuing the conversations in the weeks ahead.

TetraMap is a simple learning tool that helps people recognise their own communication style and better understand the communication preferences of those around them. Using nature as a metaphor, TetraMap highlights the value of different strengths and perspectives, supporting increased self-awareness, stronger relationships, and more effective collaboration.

The Edvance team were excited to take part in a TetraMap workshop led by our Programme Manager (and certified TetraMap facilitator) Tania Vuletich. Tania says, “For me, TetraMap isn’t just a theory – it’s a practical, powerful way to become a more empathetic and effective communicator. I’ve seen firsthand how understanding different communication preferences can reduce workplace friction and create more collaborative environments. But it’s bigger than just work – these skills are life skills. Imagine being able to truly hear and connect with people around you, bridging gaps you didn’t even know existed.”

The workshop was a fun and engaging way to learn more about our different communication styles and preferences, and it has given us a fresh perspective on our team dynamics.

Edvance programme administrator Kathryn Willoughby said, "Such an awesome session, and so great to do this as a team. It was fascinating to find out the unique mix of the four elements that we are individually, and also to discover other team members’ preferences and how we each think, communicate and approach life – sometimes very differently! But knowing the deeper rationale behind why another person is the way they are helps us connect and relate to each other with deeper understanding and empathy. I loved the emphasis that our individual differences are a strength to the team. We all need each other!”

To find out more please contact us: https://edvance.co.nz/contact/

‘E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le 'nu'u (“From the high mountains are the blessings of the village”) is the 2026 theme for Samoa Language Week. This proverb highlights the many ways blessings flow to communities from both natural and spiritual sources. The proverb teaches that a village’s prosperity and success come from its sources of guidance and blessing – these foundations include nature, God, ancestors, family leaders, and community institutions, which all combine to preserve Samoan culture, identity and well-being across generations.

With this in mind, the Edvance team felt very blessed to attend the Samoa Language Week celebration at NZSE Manukau campus last week. What an amazing event! With cultural performances and presentations from students, as well as a Kahoot quiz and a lavish shared feast, we were kept entertained but also learned so much about Samoan history and traditions. The Chee-Hoo challenge was a highlight!

Fa'afetai tele lava to head of school Fau Tiatia and all the staff and students for giving us such a warm welcome, for your dedication and hard work to put this event together, and for so graciously sharing your culture with us 💕

After attending this year’s ACE Aotearoa (Adult and Community Education) Conference in Auckland, our Edvance programme managers returned to the office energised and inspired by what they’d learned.

This year’s theme was Beyond the Hype: Applying Artificial and Ancestral Intelligences for Transformative Learning, and the conference explored how AI and ancestral knowledge could work together to support effective, ethical and culturally grounded learning. This is particularly relevant for us in the current environment where AI continues to reshape how people learn and work.

Our team valued the opportunity to connect with others in the sector, explore new approaches to learning, and reflect on how we can continue to support positive outcomes for learners, workplaces and communities.

Edvance programme manager Fa’aulu Tomuli-Afoa said she really enjoyed the keynote speakers and AI-focused workshops. “What stood out for me was the balance between embracing new technology and valuing the knowledge, culture and relationships that already exist within our communities. It was a great reminder that the best learning happens when innovation and human connection work together.”

Happy Pink Shirt Day from Edvance!

To mark this important day on Aotearoa’s calendar, Edvance hosted a wānanga exploring how we connect with people from different countries, cultures, and walks of life. Together, we discussed different cultural perspectives and how these shape the way we work alongside both our learners and clients.

Edvance is in a privileged position to support learners and workplaces across a wide range of industries and communities. Pink Shirt Day is an opportunity to reflect on the kind of environments we want to help create — places where people feel respected, safe to be themselves, and empowered to grow.

Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying.

Congratulations to the team at Online Distribution on celebrating their first graduation with Edvance!

Across Auckland and Christchurch, warehouse and distribution centre staff have been completing a bespoke Workplace Communication Skills programme designed to strengthen confidence, communication, and collaboration in the workplace.

General Manager of Operations Glen Taylor described the partnership with Edvance as an “extremely positive experience and rewarding for all those that were involved. It was a great initiative, and I'm looking forward to seeing the continued growth and development of those that attended.”

A huge congratulations to all graduates on this achievement, and well done to Online Distribution for supporting the ongoing growth and development of your whānau.

Pictured are Good to Great learners from our Mount Maunganui group, practicing New Zealand Sign Language alongside their ata mārie waiata.

Good to Great is a fully funded programme designed for adults who benefit from additional support with literacy, numeracy, communication, and everyday digital skills, particularly neurodiverse and disabled learners.

This programme takes place across several locations in the North Island, and has profound impact on the learners — a lot of the time, even after they graduate, the students return to study with us again and again.

Jodi, a support worker to one of our learners, says this ongoing enrolment reflects the strength of the experience. “They come back excited to share what they’ve been learning and it is clear to see their confidence and skills growing over time. They really value the chance to connect with others, and the friendships they build are a big part of why they keep coming back. They always have great things to say about the tutors and the supportive, welcoming environment.”

FREE* ONLINE COURSE - Pre-Entry Preparation

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Course covers abstract, numerical and verbal reasoning, timed multi-choice test practice, literacy & numeracy upskilling, and much more.

To find out more: Join our ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION on TUESDAY 5 MAY, 7pm

Register your interest now: https://edvance.co.nz/for.../pre-entry-preparation-training/

Next course starts 27 May. Online classes Monday and Wednesday evenings for 17 weeks.

*Course can be free if you are eligible – conditions apply

Pre-Entry Preparation Training for NZ Services | Edvance Workplace Education Prepare for NZ Police, Defence, Fire & Emergency, or Corrections entry tests with Edvance's targeted training. Boost your literacy, numeracy, and reasoning skills for success.

Edvance is proud to celebrate our Image Holdings graduates, who have successfully completed our Health & Safety in the Workplace programme, delivered by facilitator Desiree Gelbart.

Our Health & Safety training is tailored to each organisation we work with, ensuring internal systems, policies, and processes align with current New Zealand legislation, and supporting adjustments to practice to achieve a safer workplace.

Image Holdings brought forward 10 of their warehouse team members to upskill through this programme, with strong engagement and commitment throughout.

Feedback from management highlights the impact: "Working with Edvance was easy and they made the whole team feel valued. Communication was fantastic. We had one team member joining via Teams each week, and the trainer always ensured he felt included in activities. The business has gained a lot of value from this course, and the culture shift around Health and Safety has been awesome to see."

This marks our third partnership together — and we’re proud to support their ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.