Hon Chris Hipkins
Minister of Education
Hon Iain Lees-Galloway
Minister of Immigration
Hon Willie Jackson
Minister of Employment
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
26 September 2019
A new regional approach to skills planning will see our workforce, education and immigration systems working together to
better meet the differing skills needs across the country, Ministers announced today.
The Government has launched targeted consultation on the design of 15 Regional Skills Leadership Groups, which are
expected to be in place from mid-2020. They support changes to temporary work visas and the Reform of Vocational
Education.
“The Regional Skills Leadership Groups will identify workforce and skills needs in their region, both now and in the
future, and advise on actions to cultivate these,” Chris Hipkins said.
“The Groups will feature regional industry leaders, economic development agencies, worker representatives, iwi, and
government organisations.
“They will develop Regional Workforce Plans, which will project labour supply needs and outline how to create better and
more attractive jobs across the region.
“Our employer, education, welfare and immigration systems can act on this advice to make sure these skills are developed
and available.”
The Tertiary Education Commission will take RSLGs’ advice into account when making vocational education investment
decisions, Chris Hipkins said.
“We are creating a strong, unified, sustainable system for all vocational education that delivers the skills that
learners, employers and communities need to thrive. The advice provided by Regional Skills Leadership Groups will play a
big role in this, and be used by the Tertiary Education Commission, Workforce Development Councils, and local vocational
education providers.”
Willie Jackson said a regional approach will mean more localised and aligned decision-making by employers, workers,
educators and agencies.
“Training and education providers will know what skills are in demand, and can tailor their programmes to deliver on
these. Our welfare system can support skill-matched employment opportunities and referrals that move people into
long-term, fulfilling careers.
“Employers can act on this advice to tackle barriers to employment and productivity growth, by pooling resources and
offering attractive job opportunities.
“A coordinated approach will support growing businesses, good jobs for workers and thriving regions.
“Workers and students will know what skills will get them good jobs, and can invest in education with confidence.
Employers can invest in growing their business, knowing skilled workers will be available.”
Iain Lees-Galloway said the Regional Skills Leadership Groups also link with the recently-announced reform of temporary
work visas.
“Our immigration reforms will help regions get the workers they need, while also ensuring that New Zealanders are first
in line for jobs. With proper planning at a regional level, immigration can help address skills shortages in the short
term, while training more New Zealanders with the skills our workforces need.”
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is seeking feedback on the design of the Regional Skills Leadership
Groups, to make sure they work for each region, and link to and coordinate with the various planning initiatives already
in place for some regions.
The Groups are expected to be established by mid-2020 and will deliver their first Regional Workforce Plans by the end
of 2020, ahead of vocational education and temporary work visa changes coming fully into effect.
For more information visit www.mbie.govt.nz/RSLG.
ends