We completed our final forestry training consultation workshops in Balclutha and Nelson this month. The response from all consultation workshops was overwhelmingly positive, particularly with regard to a dedicated forestry business unit with stronger industry oversight, an advisory group and a governance role.
As a reminder:
Major changes are underway in New Zealand’s vocational education system. Competenz will move to a new PTE for engineering and manufacturing in 2026, but forestry training will not be included. Forestry sits under the Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board, meaning a new training arrangement is needed.
Forestry was asked to provide Government with its preferred model by the end of March/April. Options included partnering with a polytechnic, PTE, or wānanga. Given that over 85% of forestry training occurs on the job, retaining practical, fit‑for‑purpose delivery remains the priority.
The Forestry Training Committee (FICA/FOA) recommended alignment with Primary ITO as it transitions to a new Primary Industry PTE. This would create a dedicated forestry business unit with stronger industry oversight, improved accountability, and a seat on the PTE’s board. We did explore a number of other options - these remain if we are unable to form a primary industry PTE.
Next Steps
The next step is negotiating with other primary industries (Dairy, Horticulture, Fishing, Beef and Lamb) to see if a primary PTE as proposed can grow legs or not. Competenz cannot divest of the Forestry division until an alternative home is found. So, in the interim the delivery of training/assessment continues.
