Have your say - the future of NZ forestry vocational training
Friday 20 Feb 2026
The Forestry Training Committee invites you take part in a round
of regional consultation sessions in March and April regarding proposed
changes to forestry vocational training, in response to the
Government’s reforms of vocational education.
The Forestry Training Council is made up of representatives from the
Forest Industry Contractors Association and Forest Owners Association,
supported by Competenz.
The Tertiary Education Commission requires industry to
demonstrate consultation and engagement with the forestry sector before
a preferred training delivery option can be confirmed. Your
input is important and will directly inform the advice provided to
Government later in April.
Over the past 12 months, the Forestry Training Committee has been
undertaking due diligence on the best future home for forestry
vocational training. It is now seeking feedback on the committee’s
proposed direction. The Committee's goal is to be able to do a better
job of supporting learners and employers with suitable training and
assessment.
The session will be presented by committee Chair Kevin Ihaka, along with
Rowan Struthers (FICA) and Joseph Brolly (FOA), with support from
Competenz. Each session will run for approximately 60 minutes and will
consist of a 30-minute presentation followed by a Q&A and industry
discussion.
You are encouraged to attend one of the following regional
consultation sessions:
- Northland – Whangarei: Wednesday 4 March 2-3pm, Whangārei.
- Central North Island – Rotorua: Friday 6 March 2-3pm, Rotorua.
- Tairawhiti East Coast – Gisborne: Wednesday 11 March 2-3pm,
Gisborne.
- Lower South Island – Balclutha: Monday 30 March 2-3pm,
Balclutha.
- Upper South Island -Nelson: Wednesday 1 April 2-3pm, Nelson.
Topics will include:
- The impact of Government reforms, including the disestablishment of
Te Pūkenga and the work-based learning divisions such as Competenz.
- Confirmation that Competenz will transition to a private training
establishment focused on engineering and manufacturing, and will no
longer provide forestry training from late 2027, and that forestry
training will sit under the Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board.
- The committee’s due diligence process and its preferred
position to align with Primary ITO as it transitions to a Primary
Industry Private Training Establishment.
- A proposed model where each major primary industry operates as a
separate business division, led by its own General Manager and supported
by an industry advisory group. Forestry would have its own dedicated
division and representation at board level.
- Priorities for forestry training, including protecting the existing
network of contract trainers and assessors, protecting the forestry
knowledge and skills currently within Competenz, supporting on the job
training, and keeping training learner focused, practical, and easy for
employers to manage.
- How feedback from these sessions and regional workshops planned for
March will be used to shape final advice to Government.
Why your input matters
More than 85 percent of forestry vocational training occurs on the job
and plays a critical role in supporting health and safety, productivity,
and workforce capability. Please
RSVP for the session that suits you. Prebooking would be appreciated
to assist with catering and planning.
Source: Forestry Training Committee (via Safetree)
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