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Workforce Development Plan 2024: The power of people

Building a future-ready workforce amidst uncertainty

See the event recap

Tuia 2024 | Million Māori: Mobilising for our mokopuna

Five Hidden Gems

Shining a light on industries that are rich in potential

We be who we see

Inspiring role models share their career journeys

Te Manu Arataki Leadership Project

Paving the way for the next generation of leaders

Reviews and Developments

Developing fit for purpose qualifications

Waihangatia te Āmua Ao

Shaping the future of Service skills

He rau hinengaro e tūtuki ai ngā moemoeā
He rau ringaringa e oti ai te mahi
He rau manawa e hīkina ai te oranga tangata
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai tātou katoa

Kei ngā mana, kei ngā reo, kei ngā pari kārangaranga, nei rā te reo o mihi ki a koutou katoa kua hou mai ki te pae ipurangi o Ringa Hora.  Harikoa ana mātou i tō taenga mai. Nau mai, haere mai rā.

Our vision is:

Skills for life, wherever they take you

Nau mai! Haere mai! Welcome to Ringa Hora. We are a values based, people-centred organisation that serves Aotearoa by responding to the current and future workforce needs of the Service sector.

We give effect to our vision by:

  • Setting standards, developing qualifications and shaping vocational education to align with our industries needs
  • Ensuring appropriate vocational education programmes are being offered
  • Providing investment advice on behalf of our industries to inform and advise areas of need.

Welcome! We look forward to working together. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te tangata. Our collective contributions are to support the journey of our people.

Introducing our 2024 Workforce Development Plan and Industry Action Plans

The Service sector is fundamental to Aotearoa and its people. Through millions of interactions a day, businesses across our sector advise, assist, and serve others. All Service sector industries have people at their centre. It is people who foster connections, helping others to navigate and meet the ever-changing needs of modern lives.

Workforce development plays a pivotal role in bolstering industry and creating a skilled and adaptable workforce that can effectively navigate disruptions and contribute to the overall sustainability of industries.

Ngā pānui

Latest News

Ringa Hora-AIANZ research a tool to spark workforce overhaul
25/10/24

Ringa Hora-AIANZ research a tool to spark workforce overhaul

Action is needed to address a pilot and aviation engineer workforce gaps based on research commissioned by Ringa Hora and the Aviation Industry Association of...
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Business networking opportunity at South Island hui
17/10/24

Business networking opportunity at South Island hui

South Island service sector businesses are invited to shape the future of their workforce at a series of events in early November.  Ringa Hora is...
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The second annual Tuia event champions intergenerational success for Māori in the billion-dollar Service sector
16/10/24

The second annual Tuia event champions intergenerational success for Māori in the billion-dollar Service sector

The countdown to Tuia 2024 has begun, and in less than a week Māori leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators will gather in Hamilton for an event focused...
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Engagement Recap July-September 2024
11/10/24

Engagement Recap July-September 2024

In late September, members of our engagement team, Beatrice Faumuinā and Martin Szeko, and qualifications team, Roz Tocker and Diana Garrett, were part of a workshop...
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Transforming Quality Assurance
11/10/24

Transforming Quality Assurance

The transformational approach being taken by the Ringa Hora Quality Assurance team has led to a successful collaboration with Queenstown Resort College (QRC).  The QA...
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Industry plans provide valuable insights into future of workforce: Leo Shen
11/10/24

Industry plans provide valuable insights into future of workforce: Leo Shen

The challenge of upskilling workers when it’s tough for businesses to meet their bottom lines is among the most notable trends Ringa Hora Strategy and...
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Feedback sought on new leadership qualifications
01/10/24

Feedback sought on new leadership qualifications

A greater focus on the difference between leadership and management training is being proposed as part of the work done by the Ringa Hora Te...
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More than all the sands: A journey of legacy and inspiration
26/09/24

More than all the sands: A journey of legacy and inspiration

Whakatāne café and paua pie queen Rikki-Maria Pakuria (Ngāti Awa) has plenty going for her as a business owner: drive, passion, and fearlessness for starters....
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Feedback deadline extended for Consent and Moderation Requirements review
19/09/24

Feedback deadline extended for Consent and Moderation Requirements review

Ringa Hora has extended its deadline for feedback from industry representatives and providers about whether the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) documents for Service sector...
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He Rau Ranga Tira helps guide WDCs in giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
17/09/24

He Rau Ranga Tira helps guide WDCs in giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

  Māori organisations and businesses are set to benefit from a new kaupapa that guides kaimahi across all Ohu Ahumahi (Workforce Development Councils) on how...
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Mata Ārahi Manomano – a transformative approach to career pathways
17/09/24

Mata Ārahi Manomano – a transformative approach to career pathways

Introducing Mata Ārahi Manomano, our new career pathway framework! Mata Ārahi Manomano was developed in partnership with Ohu Ahumahi Workforce Development Councils. This innovative framework...
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Kaupapa Māori Engagement Recap
12/09/24

Kaupapa Māori Engagement Recap

We’ve had a massive year so far. Our team has supported industry events, promoted pathways into the Service sector, and run webinars and workshops alongside...
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Mastering the art of storytelling: New skill standard created for tourism industry
12/09/24

Mastering the art of storytelling: New skill standard created for tourism industry

A new standard for storytellers, particularly in the tourism industry, is now available to be taught by education providers and in the workplace. The new...
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Talanoa aims to empower Pacific potential in the Aviation & Airport Services industry
04/09/24

Talanoa aims to empower Pacific potential in the Aviation & Airport Services industry

Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council held our first industry talanoa on the 4th of July for Pacific aviation and airport services in Mangere, South...
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Certificate of Financial Services improved after review
03/09/24

Certificate of Financial Services improved after review

A few changes which more closely align the qualification to the Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Services have been made as part of the...
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25/08/24

Revision of Food Safety unit standards

Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council Has completed a revision of three Food Safety unit standards 167, 15275, and 27955. This revision was to change...
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Tuakana-teina: The power of supportive learning mentorships
08/08/24

Tuakana-teina: The power of supportive learning mentorships

When Valeli Nathan Lemalie (Ngāpuhi, Tūhoe, Whakatōhea, Samoa) met Te Huia Paniora-Hepi (Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Porou, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Tahu) through his cleaning job at...
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Strong vocational education system vital for future skills needs
02/08/24

Strong vocational education system vital for future skills needs

Did you know that according to Deloitte, jobs in soft skill intensive occupations are expected to grow at 2.5 times the rate of jobs in...
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Engagement recap: April – June 2024
30/07/24

Engagement recap: April – June 2024

The inaugural Pacific Hospitality Forum took place in April and was a momentous occasion. Led by Hospitality New Zealand, the event brought together more than...
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First qualification, skill standards for Future of Service Skills project approved
30/07/24

First qualification, skill standards for Future of Service Skills project approved

Ringa Hora’s Future of Service Skills project has its first qualification and skill standards available to training providers.  Our discussions with industry showed there was...
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Tourism skills the key to boosting NZ economy: Loren Aberhart
23/07/24

Tourism skills the key to boosting NZ economy: Loren Aberhart

High skill levels in Services, and particularly tourism, are vital if New Zealand’s economy is to recover quickly from the Covid 19 hangover, Ringa Hora...
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Liquor licence holders the subject of first Ringa Hora Micro-credential
17/07/24

Liquor licence holders the subject of first Ringa Hora Micro-credential

Education providers that train managers of liquor sellers across Aotearoa will have the opportunity to deliver Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council’s first developed and...
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Flexible solutions: Attracting and retaining the service industry workforce 
24/06/24

Flexible solutions: Attracting and retaining the service industry workforce 

Utilising a non-traditional workforce could help address the current skills shortage in the service sector and boost employee retention, says flexible work specialist Gillian Brookes. ...
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Ringa Hora helps develop learning for Business Events Industry Aotearoa
19/06/24

Ringa Hora helps develop learning for Business Events Industry Aotearoa

Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council and Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) are coming together to develop vocational education and learning for the business events...
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Hui aims to get more Māori off the ground into aviation industry 
07/06/24

Hui aims to get more Māori off the ground into aviation industry 

  Some of the biggest names in the aviation industry gathered in Tauranga on May 28 to help pilot better pathways for Māori into aviation. ...
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First Ringa Hora Skill Standard is for Self-Employed Contractors
19/05/24

First Ringa Hora Skill Standard is for Self-Employed Contractors

A standard which shows that self-employed contractors have the basic financial skills they need to operate has become the first approved skills standard developed by...
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NZDEN-Ringa Hora partnership to boost disability workforce
14/05/24

NZDEN-Ringa Hora partnership to boost disability workforce

Helping workplaces and industry tap into the power of tāngata whaikaha (disabled people) is a major goal of a new partnership between Ringa Hora Services...
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Queen of Dumplings: Vicky Ha’s recipe for success
02/05/24

Queen of Dumplings: Vicky Ha’s recipe for success

Vicky Ha, House of Dumplings owner In 2012, House of Dumplings owner Vicky Ha spent 17 hours making her first batch of dumplings for the...
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Industry endorsements great news for councillor
01/05/24

Industry endorsements great news for councillor

If there’s one thing Jill Hatchwell is delighted with seeing as a Ringa Hora Councillor, it’s the connections made with industry in the pursuit of...
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An environmental scan of leadership in New Zealand
30/04/24

An environmental scan of leadership in New Zealand

Leadership is vital to successful workplaces, but more can be done to ensure the best and most diverse leadership is developed in New Zealand. These...
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New legal skills certificate highlights industry partnership
15/04/24

New legal skills certificate highlights industry partnership

A new qualification listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) will replace the current Professional Legal Studies Course for trainee barristers and...
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Mātauranga Māori vital to Te Manu Arataki | Leadership Project
04/04/24

Mātauranga Māori vital to Te Manu Arataki | Leadership Project

Te Manu Arataki | Leadership Project is one of the key opportunities for industry to look at along with Ringa Hora in the next year....
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People always come first for Ringa Hora chair
04/04/24

People always come first for Ringa Hora chair

In a distinguished career that has seen her work in vocational education, moderation, and operating a professional services consultancy for 24 years, Ringa Hora chair...
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The importance of leadership
04/04/24

The importance of leadership

By Kari Scrimshaw, Ringa Hora chief executive Some people are born leaders. But everyone has the capability to be a leader. For most people, leadership...
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Be part of building the pathway for the next generation of leaders
02/04/24

Be part of building the pathway for the next generation of leaders

Join our Te Manu Arataki Leadership Project webinars New Zealand has diverse enterprises, including numerous small and micro businesses and a thriving Māori business ecosystem....
Read more
Mastering the art of storytelling: New skill standard created for tourism industry
26/03/24

Mastering the art of storytelling: New skill standard created for tourism industry

A new skill standard has been developed that will help learners excel in the role of storyteller, particularly in the tourism industry, with a focus...
Read more
Engagement recap: January – February 2024
17/03/24

Engagement recap: January – February 2024

Our Business & Professional Services Industry Engagement Lead, Zach Edwards, spoke with HR professionals committed to focusing on their kaimahi and Employee Experience during the...
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Quality Assurance Sector Summary now available
11/03/24

Quality Assurance Sector Summary now available

The moderation function of Ringa Hora is a quality assurance activity that benefits industry, providers and ultimately ākonga. It ensures ākonga have met the required...
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Ringa Hora 2025 Investment Advice
07/03/24

Ringa Hora 2025 Investment Advice

He rau ringaringa e oti ai te mahi. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi. The quality of our work is...
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Ringa Hora 2022/2023 Annual Report released
08/12/23

Ringa Hora 2022/2023 Annual Report released

We are delighted to share our Ringa Hora 2022/2023 Annual Report, Pūrongo-ā-tau, which showcases our mahi over the past year. The report covers the exciting...
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Download the Ringa Hora assessment writing guidance
21/11/23

Download the Ringa Hora assessment writing guidance

Want to write and develop assessments that adhere to the high standards expected by industry? The Quality Assurance team at Ringa Hora has got you...
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Presenting our 2023 Workforce Development Plan
16/10/23

Presenting our 2023 Workforce Development Plan

As many of our Service industries approach the busy holiday season, the vast majority of businesses continue to struggle to find skilled people to meet...
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2023 Review of Intelligence qualifications  
05/10/23

2023 Review of Intelligence qualifications  

Ringa Hora is commencing a review of the below Intelligence qualifications: New Zealand Certificate in Intelligence (Introduction) (Level 3) version 2 [ref: 2392]   New Zealand...
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Culinary Koha hospitality project: draft qualifications and skills standards open for feedback
18/09/23

Culinary Koha hospitality project: draft qualifications and skills standards open for feedback

Ringa Hora has been working on a project to reform the way competence of culinary practitioners in Aotearoa New Zealand is recognised and assessed. We...
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Transformation through collaboration: Empowering Pacific learners, businesses and employers
05/09/23

Transformation through collaboration: Empowering Pacific learners, businesses and employers

Strengthening career pathways and building a pipeline of Pacific talent through skills that industry need, now and in the future is at the heart of...
Read more
View our Q&A with QA Post moderation webinar
29/07/23

View our Q&A with QA Post moderation webinar

PUBLISHED 27/06/23 This webinar follows on from the pre moderation session. We look at why we moderate, the completed assessment, best practice processes, and how...
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View our Q&A with QA Pre-moderation webinar
29/07/23

View our Q&A with QA Pre-moderation webinar

This webinar session will help you understand the pre-moderation process and what Ringa Hora requires. We explore what our Quality Assurance team require to ensure...
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Investment Advice 2023
29/07/23

Investment Advice 2023

PUBLISHED 16/06/23 We invite you to read our Investment Advice 2023 – a key lever for Ringa Hora to support the Services sector in achieving...
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We invite you to our Pacific Talanoa webinars
29/07/23

We invite you to our Pacific Talanoa webinars

  PUBLISHED 06/06/23 Kia orana, Mauri, Halo Olaketa, Mālō nī, Noa’ia, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Bula Vinaka, Fakatalofa atu, Mālō e lelei, Tālofa lava and warm Pacific greetings.  ...
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Ohu Ahumahi sign a Memorandum of Collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force
29/07/23

Ohu Ahumahi sign a Memorandum of Collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force

PUBLISHED 06/06/23 The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with New Zealand’s six Ohu Ahumahi Workforce Development Councils (WDCs)...
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Join our ‘Q&A with QA’ webinars
29/07/23

Join our ‘Q&A with QA’ webinars

We invite schools and providers to join us for a series of webinars on moderation. PUBLISHED 27/04/23 Our Quality Assurance team is holding a series...
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Waihangatia te Āmua Ao – 2023 Shaping the Future of Service Skills
29/07/23

Waihangatia te Āmua Ao – 2023 Shaping the Future of Service Skills

  PUBLISHED 17/02/23 We’ve been hearing that our sectors want and value people with essential and transferrable skills, and are looking for short, sharp, stackable...
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Ringa Hora Annual Report 2021/22
29/07/23

Ringa Hora Annual Report 2021/22

PUBLISHED 22/12/22 The Annual Report provides an overview of what we’ve been up to from 1 October 2021 to 30 June 2022 to contribute to...
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2023 Ringa Hora Industry Engagement Hui series
29/07/23

2023 Ringa Hora Industry Engagement Hui series

We want to hear from you on how we can help transform vocational education and workforce development for your industry. PUBLISHED 21/12/22 E ngā mana,...
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Our 2023 National External Moderation Plan is available
29/07/23

Our 2023 National External Moderation Plan is available

PUBLISHED 21/12/22 The plan provides a quality assurance outline of how we see the process and has been created from guiding principles developed by Ohu...
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Explore our latest research, “What makes the Service sector resilient?”
29/07/23

Explore our latest research, “What makes the Service sector resilient?”

PUBLISHED 08/12/22 This week, we released a copy of our research, ‘What makes the Service sector resilient?’ For many businesses and people within the Service sector,...
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He maimai Aroha – Queen Elizabeth II
29/07/23

He maimai Aroha – Queen Elizabeth II

PUBLISHED 09/09/22 Kimihia rangahaua Kei whea koutou ka ngaro nei! Tēnā kua riro ki Paerau Ki te huihuinga o te kahurangi ka oti atu koutou...
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Industry spotlight: JNP Aviation Training – From airport services to training provider
29/07/23

Industry spotlight: JNP Aviation Training – From airport services to training provider

“To have Ringa Hora as support has been fantastic when it came to all these industry assessments.” – Alice Jones, Academic Lead PUBLISHED 06/09/22 Registered...
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We are pleased to share our Workforce Development Plan 2022
29/07/23

We are pleased to share our Workforce Development Plan 2022

Ko ngā pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata Ko ngā pae tata, whakamaua kia tina The potential for tomorrow is determined by what we do today....
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Te Rāngai Ohu Mahi – Paerewa Ako me te Marautanga ā-motu | Skill Standards and ‘National Curriculum’ Sector Working Group
29/07/23

Te Rāngai Ohu Mahi – Paerewa Ako me te Marautanga ā-motu | Skill Standards and ‘National Curriculum’ Sector Working Group

PUBLISHED 29/07/22 Over the past few months, a sector working group has been working on developing draft Skills Standards. Working Group members have been drawn from...
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We’ve published our Operational Plan
29/07/23

We’ve published our Operational Plan

Find out about our priorities and actions for 2022/23 PUBLISHED 07/07/22 Ka rongo te pō, ka rongo te ao, ka awatea From both darkness and...
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Ringa Hora Workforce Development Council chair and Māori community leader recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours List
29/07/23

Ringa Hora Workforce Development Council chair and Māori community leader recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours List

PUBLISHED 07/06/22 Hinerangi Edwards has become an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours. A business...
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Boost for services sector puts industry in driving seat to contribute to transformation in vocational education
29/07/23

Boost for services sector puts industry in driving seat to contribute to transformation in vocational education

PUBLISHED 05/05/22 A boost for the service sector with the transfer of funding from ServiceIQ to Ringa Hora (Services Workforce Development Council) is designed to support the development...
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29/07/23

Retail, Sales and Distribution Unit Standard Reviews

PUBLISHED 26/04/22 Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council will review 164 unit standards during 2022. You can express your interest to join the Review Panel or the...
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Opening of our Tāmaki Makaurau offices
29/07/23

Opening of our Tāmaki Makaurau offices

The Workforce Development Councils reached a great milestone on 24th January when we opened our new offices in Tāmaki Makaurau. PUBLISHED 11/02/22 The Workforce Development...
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Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council – getting ready to serve
29/07/23

Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council – getting ready to serve

Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council is excited to introduce both their new name and their inaugural Chief Executive. PUBLISHED 01/10/21 After earlier committing to...
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29/07/23

Induction event to kickstart industry leadership in future skills development

A two-day induction event kicks off today for 54 industry leaders and innovators who will play a vital role in ensuring New Zealand’s vocational education...
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29/07/23

The Orders in Council for the WDCs

The Reforms of Vocational Education (RoVE) have taken another significant step with the passing and gazetting of the Orders in Council that will lead to...
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Who we serve

946,000

people employed by the Service sector in 2021 – over one-third of all workers in New Zealand.

$109b+

per year to New Zealand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the Service sector, or just over 30% of the total GDP.

306,000

Service sector businesses in New Zealand, representing around half of all businesses in the country.

Most businesses within the Services sector are small businesses employing, on average, three people.

Our industries

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