Customised Language and Cultural Awareness Training for NZ Officials Being Posted Overseas (MFAT, NZDF) 

Brief Overview of the Organisation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is responsible for advancing New Zealand’s international priorities, while the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) ensures national security and the protection of critical lines of communication. 

The Challenge
As part of their international duties, MFAT and NZDF personnel must undergo language and cultural training to effectively communicate and interact with local populations while posted overseas. These training requirements are vital to ensure that staff can carry out their roles efficiently in foreign settings. 

Objectives
The objective was to provide language and cultural awareness training to MFAT and NZDF personnel. The training needed to cover various language proficiency levels and incorporate key cultural insights specific to the countries where the staff would be posted, ensuring they could interact confidently and appropriately with local communities. 

The Solution
Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional partnered with MFAT and NZDF to design a tailored programme that included 1-on-1 language coaching and cultural training. The training could be delivered both online and in-person, depending on the location and duration of the posting. The programmes duration ranged from 20 to 400 hours, depending on the language’s complexity and the required proficiency level. 

In addition to language lessons, participants engaged in cultural experiences such as local church services, festivals, and other events to gain real-world exposure to the cultures they would be working with. 

The Impact
The language and cultural awareness training enabled personnel to confidently engage with local communities and colleagues, fostering stronger international relationships and better performing teams on overseas assignments. 

Testimonial
“I really enjoyed my training with Mi’i, who blended language learning with cultural insights. I now feel confident and excited to work in Rarotonga.” —Participant, Te Reo Māori Kuki Airani.