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Tendering and Procurement – credential development 

Procurement and tendering play a vital role in New Zealand’s economy, governed by the New Zealand Government Procurement (NZGP) framework introduced in 2019. Key sectors such as construction, healthcare, education, IT, transport, and energy are heavily engaged in these processes. 

Despite an annual government procurement spend of $42 billion, small and Māori-owned businesses remain significantly underrepresented in successful tenders. Barriers such as limited access to flexible training, complex compliance requirements, and gaps in digital literacy continue to prevent many capable businesses from competing on a level playing field.

 

Engagement findings  

Extensive engagement with stakeholders across Aotearoa revealed clear and consistent themes around the challenges small and Māori/Pacific businesses face in procurement and tendering. Key findings include: 

  • Knowledge Gaps: Many businesses lack understanding of tendering terminology, compliance requirements, and digital procurement platforms. 
  • Operational Barriers: Sole traders and SMEs often don’t have the time or resources to complete tenders or attend traditional training. 
  • Cultural Considerations: Māori businesses often operate under collective kaupapa, requiring training that reflects their values and business models. 
  • Reliance on External Support: Some businesses depend on consultants for pricing and cost monitoring due to limited internal capability. 
  • Desire for Practical Learning: There is strong demand for flexible, hands-on, and context-specific training options. 
  • Widespread Support: Chambers of Commerce, Māori business networks, training providers, and support organisations agree on the urgent need for a micro-credential focused on procurement capability. 

 

Seeking Expression of Interest 

Ringa Hora is hosting several online meetings to further identify industry needs to guide credential development in tendering and procurement. Please see below for more information.  

  • Session 1 – Thu 12 June 25 11am-12pm.  
  • Session 2 – Thu 19 June 25 11am-12pm.  

We are seeking expressions of interest from: 

  • Industry experts  
  • Education providers 
  • Māori and Pacific business networks  
  • Small business owners and sole traders  

To register for a session please fill out this form. 

 

Development process 

The following stages are indicative and subject to change: 

  • Analysis and background work  

  • Engage with industry and providers via online webinars and in-person meetings.

  • Send out EOI for advisory groups 
  • Form Working Group 
  • Host Working Group online hui to determine what credentials will be developed.

  • Ringa Hora hosts in-person initial hui with Working Group 
  • Working group attend online meetings to refine draft credentials.

  • Ringa Hora publishes draft credentials for wider consultation. 
  • Ringa Hora reviews feedback with Working Group.

  • Ringa Hora finalises drafts and gather attestation forms and related documents. 
  • Submit to NZQA for review. 
  • Ringa Hora to work through feedback from NZQA. 
  • Ringa Hora receives NZQA letter of approval for applications 
  • NZQA publish new credentials on the NZQA framework. 
  • Ringa Hora notifies all external parties of publication and close project.  

 

Dates will be refined once the Working Group has determined the scope of credential development.  

We will be engaging fully with stakeholders and our wider consultation group throughout the project. We welcome feedback or expressions of interest to be involved at any time and will continue to add people who are interested, by emailing [email protected].