Ringa Hora

Ringa Hora Ringa Hora is the Workforce Development Council for a range of diverse industries across the Services sector of New Zealand.

Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council (WDC) represents a range of diverse industries across the services sector including Advisory Services, Aviation, Cleaning Services, Business Services, Contact Centres, Financial Services, Hospitality, Local Government, Real Estate, Retail, Security Services, State Sector, and Tourism & Travel. We work with these industries to translate their workfo

rce needs into qualifications, standards and other learning products that can help build the right skills for the future. We also work with training providers to moderate existing qualifications and standards to ensure consistent industry standards and learning outcomes, across the country and across all modes of learning.

ServiceIQ is seeking registrations of interest from established Private Training Establishments (PTEs) or Institutes of...
04/02/2026

ServiceIQ is seeking registrations of interest from established Private Training Establishments (PTEs) or Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) that wish to pick up ServiceIQ.

ServiceIQ transitioned on January 1 from a work-based learning division of Te Pūkenga into the Services Industry Skills Board . This was part of the government’s system reset, under which ISBs will oversee work-based learning functions of Te Pūkenga while a new training establishment is found.

Under this scheme, these work-based learning functions can transition into either a new industry-owned PTE, move to an existing PTE, or move to an existing ITP.

Established PTEs or ITPs that are interested in acquiring ServiceIQ work-based learning can contact ServiceIQ chief executive Tony Laskey at [email protected].

You can read more about the ROI opportunity here: https://www.gets.govt.nz/SerISB/ExternalTenderDetails.htm?id=33410273

More information about the changes in work-based learning can be found here: https://www.tec.govt.nz/ strategic-initiatives/vocational-education-system/changes-to-the-vocational-education-and-training-vet-system/new-work-based-learning-model

The Services Industry Skills Board is seeking three experienced leaders to help shape the future of the services workfor...
30/01/2026

The Services Industry Skills Board is seeking three experienced leaders to help shape the future of the services workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We’re looking for people with:
• Strong governance and change leadership experience
• A background in the services industries
• An understanding of education and training.

The Services ISB has taken over most of the industries previously covered by Ringa Hora, along with some that were covered by Toi Mai WDC and a small number that were covered by Toitū te Waiora WDC.

If you know someone who fits the bill — or you think that might be you — we’d love to hear from you. (Nominees must give their permission before being put forward.)

Successful candidates will join our current board members:
Bruce Robertson (Chair), Russell Clements, John Fiso. (ONZM), Tommy Honey, and Jeremy Scarle.

🗓 Nominations close: 5pm, Wednesday 18 February. All nominations must be submitted via the Tertiary Education Commission process using this form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=B9Tk6C-B7EaOlgNYdU9AhUsLaghsULpCplnSSoeqG8NUMlNDQ01UOVhTOEs1WDgxTjZNUkRGTDlFVC4u

You can read more information about the role and process here: https://www.tec.govt.nz/strategic-initiatives/vocational-education-system/changes-to-the-vocational-education-and-training-vet-system/industry-skills-boards

Kia ora koutou! We hope you’ve managed to get some quality rest over the summer break – and for those of you facing chal...
29/01/2026

Kia ora koutou! We hope you’ve managed to get some quality rest over the summer break – and for those of you facing challenges related to recent bad weather, our thoughts are with you.

It’s now been a month since the functions of Workforce Development Councils were assumed by new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs). Industries previously covered by Ringa Hora are now distributed in the manner outlined below, so don’t forget to follow them on the relevant social media and web platforms:

Aviation and Distribution: Transport Industry Skills Board – https://transportisb.nz (also includes industries from Hanga-Aro-Rau Workforce Development Council)

Cleaning: Education, Health, and Community Industry Skills Board – https://www.ehcisb.nz (also includes industries from Toitū te Waiora WDC)

All other Ringa Hora industries: Services Industry Skills Board – https://servicesisb.nz (also includes some industries from Toi Mai WDC and Toitū te Waiora WDC).

The teams at all ISBs are now hard at work, joining with industry, education providers and partners to support high-quality vocational education and training.

The ISB teams wish you all the very best for 2026 and look forward to working with you.

When you’re lost for words, sometimes you reach into the literary greats for inspiration.As we close the final chapter o...
19/12/2025

When you’re lost for words, sometimes you reach into the literary greats for inspiration.

As we close the final chapter of Ringa Hora, we borrow from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy to say our own farewell:

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

To everyone who has been part of this journey—industry partners, learners, and our incredible team—thank you for your mahi, your passion, and your commitment to vocational excellence.

https://ringahora.nz

Ringa Hora and other Workforce Development Councils are officially disestablished on December 31, but the final day at t...
19/12/2025

Ringa Hora and other Workforce Development Councils are officially disestablished on December 31, but the final day at the workplace is today, December 19.

Duties are being handed over to Industry Skill Boards. For industries covered by Ringa Hora:

Aviation and Distribution will be supported by the Transport ISB, contact [email protected].
Cleaning will be supported by the Education, Health and Community ISB, contact [email protected]
All other Ringa Hora industries will be supported by the Services Industry Skills Board, contact [email protected]

It's been an amazing ride for Ringa Hora, and we've been thrilled and honoured to work with all our stakeholders. The journey we've been on is captured by our chief executive Kari Scrimshaw in her final address here: https://ringahora.nz/a-final-thank-you-from-our-chief-executive/

Thank you very much once again, and all the best for the future.

We're delighted to announce that one of our leadership team, Te Oho Reedy, has been appointed as chief executive of the ...
19/12/2025

We're delighted to announce that one of our leadership team, Te Oho Reedy, has been appointed as chief executive of the new Services Industry Skills Board.

Board Chair Bruce Robertson said Te Oho brings more than 20 years’ experience in vocational education, qualification development, and quality assurance, with deep expertise in standards setting and system leadership across the services industries.

You can read more about her appointment here: https://ringahora.nz/te-oho-reedy-appointed-as-chief-executive-of-services-industry-skills-board/

More details about the other ISB chief executive appointments can be seen here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/high-calibre-appointments-industry-skills-boards

The Services ISB website can now be viewed at https://servicesisb.nz

Yesterday, we launched our new report on the Cleaning Industry, in partnership with Building Service Contractors of New ...
03/12/2025

Yesterday, we launched our new report on the Cleaning Industry, in partnership with Building Service Contractors of New Zealand Inc (BSCNZ), with an event at Parliament opened by Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing. This is a milestone in recognising and elevating the vital contribution of Cleaners across Aotearoa.

The research paints a full picture of the cleaning workforce: from the 52,700 workers and the industry’s $1.6 billion contribution to GDP, through to challenges around business models, worker wellbeing, and industry sustainability.

An insightful industry panel joined us, with Daniel Low, Tiulipe Naisali, and Dominic Drumm sharing their real‑life experience and deep knowledge to help ground the data in lived reality, highlighting a shared vision for raising standards through further training, strengthening good employment practices, and ensuring cleaning roles are valued, safe, and sustainable.

There was real energy in the room and a collective commitment to keep pushing for better outcomes for cleaning businesses, workers, and the communities they serve. This isn’t just about cleaning — it’s about enabling meaningful work, promoting dignity, fairness and respect. Our hope is that this report becomes a foundation for stronger industry standards, collective action, and lasting change for workers and businesses alike.

We are deeply grateful for the insights and expertise shared by passionate Cleaning professionals and want to acknowledge their significant contributions to this project. We also want to acknowledge the incredible work and leadership of Sarah McBride and the BSCNZ team, who have been tireless advocates for the sector and critical partners in developing this research.

📘 Read and download the full report: https://ringahora.nz/cleaning-industry-deep-dive-2025/

🌐 Explore challenges facing the industry: https://ringahora.nz/cleaning-challenges/

Ringa Hora kaimahi were honoured to attended this week’s NZ Vocational Education and Training Research Forum, which brou...
19/11/2025

Ringa Hora kaimahi were honoured to attended this week’s NZ Vocational Education and Training Research Forum, which brought together almost 200 people dedicated to connecting research with practice and fostering collaboration across the VET ecosystem.

The forum included presentations from two amazing Ringa Hora kaimahi. Camilla Karehana shared Tirohia ki Tua and challenged people to rethink conventional approaches to Māori access in VET. Moses Alatini presented Kele’a, providing a critical evidence base on the strengths and systemic barriers to Pacific success in the Service sector and VET more generally.

Key themes from the forum included how training systems need to keep up with rapid changes to the world of work, and how emerging technologies like AI can potentially make learning more responsive to learner and industry needs, provided they are used alongside human-centred approaches. Collaboration is critical going forward.

Thank you to the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation and Skills Group for organising this great event and to Greg Durkin and Josh Williams for their amazing MCing. We look forward to seeing how the ideas discussed at the forum are put into practice.

Struggling to find (and keep) great people? You’re not alone. That’s why we've created an Employer Hub that is packed wi...
12/11/2025

Struggling to find (and keep) great people? You’re not alone. That’s why we've created an Employer Hub that is packed with practical tools to help Service sector employers attract and retain the future workforce, especially in a changing world of work. Businesses that can respond to changes are more likely to attract the workforce they want and retain them for longer.

We've collated resources that will give you tips and insights on:
- Attracting a broad range of people
- Being an employer of choice
- Working together to change perceptions of the industry

Start future-proofing your team today: https://ringahora.nz/employer-hub/attracting-the-future-workforce/

We’re proud to share the Ringa Hora 2024–2025 Annual Report, marking a year of both progress and transition.As we prepar...
11/11/2025

We’re proud to share the Ringa Hora 2024–2025 Annual Report, marking a year of both progress and transition.

As we prepare for the government-led changes that will see the disestablishment of Workforce Development Councils at the end of 2025, this report captures the depth and impact of our mahi, and the values that have guided us from the beginning: tika, pono, mārama, and aroha.

Throughout this year, we’ve continued to let those values lead by delivering new qualifications and leadership frameworks, hosting events like Tuia 2024 and the Pacific Aviation Hui, and strengthening partnerships that will continue to serve our industries, iwi, Pacific and Tāngata Whaikaha communities well into the future.

We thank everyone who has walked alongside us on this journey. Together, we’ve helped shape a stronger, more connected vocational education system, one built on trust, collaboration, and care for people.

Read the full report: https://ringahora.nz/presenting-our-2024-2025-annual-report/

We were proud to co-host the Gender Equality in New Zealand Aviation Symposium in partnership with the Civil Aviation Au...
11/11/2025

We were proud to co-host the Gender Equality in New Zealand Aviation Symposium in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of NZ last week. The event brought together passionate professionals from across the aviation sector to share experiences, challenge the status quo, and explore how we can collectively accelerate progress toward a more inclusive industry.

One of the highlights was hearing from Jenny Connor, who shared valuable insights from Ringa Hora’s workforce data, helping to paint a clearer picture of where the sector stands and where we need to go. Jill Hatchwell, one of our Council members, also shared her journey in aviation, reinforcing the importance of visibility, connection, and sustained leadership in driving gender equity.

What stood out most throughout the day was the passion in the room, from those early in their careers to those who’ve been advocating for years. The willingness to share real, personal experiences created a powerful space for connection and learning. There was a strong sense of momentum and a shared commitment to continue working together to make meaningful, lasting change.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed - this is how change takes flight!

Māori succeeding as Māori isn’t just an outcome, it’s a commitment and is fundamental to the success of the Service sect...
10/11/2025

Māori succeeding as Māori isn’t just an outcome, it’s a commitment and is fundamental to the success of the Service sector. Māori business is thriving, Māori culture is increasingly being embraced, and Māori are experiencing strong population growth and making up a larger share of the young workforce. In this context, creating an environment where Māori succeed as Māori will benefit individuals, businesses, and the Service sector as a whole.

The Employer Hub brings together resources to support Service sector employers to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, strengthen cultural capability, and embed equity into their workplaces.

Check it out now: https://ringahora.nz/employer-hub/maori-succeeding-as-maori-employer-hub/

Address

49 Tory Street
Wellington

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+6449090306

Website

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