Six months on from cyclones striking the Gisborne/East Coast region or Te Tairāwhiti, the forestry industry has slowed in its tracks. There is an urgent need to support these employers, workers and families. We are working with Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) to assist with solutions towards cyclone recovery.

In partnership with Tūranga Ararau, we are currently exploring potential pathways to support the transition of forestry workers over into the infrastructure sector. Tūranga Ararau is a provider based in Gisborne and have a long-standing relationship with Ngāti Porou Iwi as a vocational training provider in Tūranganui ā-Kiwa. They adhere to the principles of Tikanga-ā-Iwi, ensuring inclusivity and support for all in their region.

The collaborative effort investigates several possibilities to make this transition seamless, including endorsing existing qualifications, bridging courses, and recognising prior learning. The joint venture between our two organisations signifies a significant step forward in our mission to bridge skills gaps and foster sustainable, dynamic workforces for the future of Aotearoa.