Kia ora koutou,
Thank you for your continued support as we head toward the end of another big year and rapidly approaching the next stage of changes to the setup of vocational education and training (VET) within New Zealand. We are currently preparing Connexis to transition out of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST – formally known as Te Pūkenga) and into the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (ISB) on 01 January 2026.
Like the other transitions that have occurred since 2021, our focus is on ensuring no interruption to Connexis training programmes and qualifications, and no changes to the services we provide to our learners and employers. We will continue to take new enrolments across all our training programmes in the Civil, Electricity Supply, Telco and Water industries and ensure learners are well supported through to completion of their training programme to attain their qualification.
Our ISB is one of eight being established by the Government, to be gazetted as standard setting bodies, replacing the previous Workforce Development Councils. This is a holding place for Connexis and the other work-based learning divisions exiting NZIST, providing time for industry to take back ownership and leadership of industry training.
As part of industry training returning to industry, we are working with the TEC transition team on the plan for Connexis’ move out of the ISB. As part of this, TEC wants to hear from our customers as to whether you support Connexis continuing as your national training provider and transition into an industry owned and led private training establishment (PTE). As such, we will be coming out to seek written support for this.
You can find more information on the VET Review page on our website.
While the VET changes are a distraction, we continue to deliver our industry focused activities and review and improve our training programmes and delivery.
Connexis has just wrapped up another incredibly successful Annual Connection, the iconic Electricity Supply Industry competition that spotlights the skilled workforce and rewarding careers available. The event was held in Christchurch, and while we entered a state of emergency, everyone managed to pack up safely and there was a bonus having north island line mechanic crews in the south, as some stayed back to help the local companies respond to network faults.
Connexis is also thrilled to announce a new cohort of recipients of the Connexis Outward Bound and Whenua Iti scholarships. We are incredibly proud to offer these scholarships each year, as they provide our future industry leaders with incredible skills they can carry into all areas of their life.
Finally, I’d also like to draw your attention to a life-changing pilot training programme Connexis has been running in partnership with Corrections NZ at Whanganui Prison. This programme puts prisoners through training for the NZ Certificate of Infrastructure Works (level 3). At Connexis we are strong believers in the power education and training can have in changing people’s lives. It’s about giving people from all backgrounds the opportunity to obtain a qualification, feel successful, and take with them tools that will positively impact their future.
As the year comes to a close, I wish you all a safe and happy summer and look forward to working closely with you all in 2026.
Ngā mihi
Kaarin Gaukrodger
Connexis Executive Director