In September, as part of the Aviation Industry Association Conference, we welcomed over 120 students from 20+ schools across the lower North Island for a hands-on, high-energy Aviation Careers Day.
From drone ops to air traffic control, engineering to cabin crew, our rangatahi got to hear from passionate professionals, ask real questions, and start picturing their own futures in this dynamic industry.
It was amazing to witness the industry speakers being swarmed with curious questions, and students realising just how many roles exist in aviation; the impact was undeniable. As our GM Leo Shen put it: “The most common feedback we heard? ‘I didn’t know all the different jobs aviation had to offer — and now I’m determined to get into the industry!’”
Ngā mihi to TENZ for the opportunity to connect with technology educators from across the motu and share tools that make a difference in classrooms.
Partnership and Engagement general manager Mel Harrington attended a Pacific Business Trust (PBT) Fono with Wellington-based Pacific business leaders to explore a Pacific-led approach to economic growth and education, with a 25-year vision for the future workforce. The talanoa was honest, empowering and full of valuable insights.
Leaders highlighted key issues such as $500 million in dormant church assets, the digital divide affecting 25% of Pacific people, and the need for culturally grounded tech education. There was also a strong call to support small and medium-sized enterprises with practical tools and mentorship to ensure long-term success.
Mel has been dedicating a day a week to work alongside the PBT to help organise a larger event at the end of October, an event that will create a business regional action plan that will have Pacific priorities in the economic development space front and centre.
We were proud to have two of our team delivering workshops at the TENZ (Technology Education New Zealand) Conference 2025 in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Hinewai Quensell delivered her Mata Ārahi Manomano workshop, introducing kaiako to this innovative set of cards designed to unleash the power of an Indigenous workforce and support pathways through Te Ara Whakamua. Erin Lee ran an “Inspiring Excellence in Assessment Practice” workshop, sharing best practice approaches to assessment and moderation that empower kaiako and support quality outcomes for ākonga.
Thanks very much to TENZ for allowing us to deliver these workshops!
In August, we joined BSCNZ, RisQ and representatives from across the country to collaborate on a project focused on supporting lone workers in the cleaning industry through targeted training videos. The session explored what the content should address and how it will be delivered, with funding provided by the Workforce Futures Fund – secured by BSCNZ with support from Ringa Hora.
The final decision was to produce six short videos, each under two minutes, covering high-risk areas and encounters with intoxicated individuals. These videos should go live by the end of the year.
We have continued to spread the word about Kele’a and Tirohia ki Tua, our respective reports on Pacific people and Māori in the service sector.
Tirohia ki Tua was a key part of the discussion held at Tuia 2025 in Tāmaki Makaurau. Copies were available and were quickly snapped up.
For Kele’a, we held a webinar to discuss the findings in August, and in addition Zeena Khan made a presentation to the Business Circle Network at Ōtautahi | Christchurch, which included a values piece workshop. Fellow Ringa Hora team member Elkan Seaga also made a presentation at Ōtautahi touching on Pacific people in banking.
The mutual respect from the participants clearly demonstrated how inclusive decision-making and shared leadership can positively impact the future of workforce.
