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The Waihanga Ara Rau Workforce Development Council will be closing operations from 19 December, and disestablished from 31 December 2025. The Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board; Construction and Specialist Trades Industry Skills Board; Electrotechnology and Information Technology Industry Skills Board will pick up its functions.

Image of Philip Aldridge

Philip Aldridge

Chief Executive

With an extensive background in commercial enterprises, NGOs, and government organisations, Philip joined Waihanga Ara Rau after a successful tenure as the Executive Director of the Health Association of NZ. Prior to that Philip held leadership roles with Agriculture ITO, Infratrain New Zealand, Telecom NZ and Superu (Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit).

Having led initiatives to improve the Canterbury Rebuild’s labour supply, in conjunction with the infrastructure and construction industry, education providers and Government agencies, Philip understands the challenges and opportunities involved with transformational programmes of work involving many different Tangata Whai Mana (stakeholders). Philip has a strong passion and vision for Waihanga Ara Rau and has rapidly recruited a motivated team to help move the organisation from the establishment start-up phase to full operation in a short space of time.