Wellington, September 23 2026
New Zealand’s infrastructure sectors are set to have a stronger industry-led training pipeline, with Connexis approved to become an independent, industry-owned training provider from 1 November.
The move comes at a time when New Zealand needs a skilled workforce to build, maintain and support the infrastructure communities rely on every day — from roads and electricity networks to telecommunications and water services.
Connexis, New Zealand’s national infrastructure training provider, has received approval from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to transition out of the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (EI ISB) and into Connexis Inc, a Private Training Establishment (PTE) from 1 November 2026.
The approval provides a clear path forward for Connexis, as part of the governments redesign of vocational education and training, and will see infrastructure work-based training return to an industry-owned and industry-led model. Connexis Inc will be focussed on delivering work-based apprenticeships and training across the civil, energy, telecommunications and water sectors within New Zealand.
Connexis Inc. is a membership based charitable organisation, with Civil Contractors New Zealand, the Electricity Engineers’ Association and Water New Zealand joining as founding members. The interim Connexis Inc. Board comprises Susan Huria (Chair), Brian Warren and Roger McRae, who have guided the establishment of the new industry-owned entity.
Huria says the approval reflects the strong support Connexis has received from employers and industry stakeholders. She thanked both TEC and NZQA for their confidence in Connexis Inc. and acknowledged the support of the EI ISB in enabling a smooth and timely transition.
“Industry has been clear it wants a training provider that is closely connected to workforce needs, responsive to change, and focused on quality outcomes for learners and employers,” she says.
“As an industry-owned PTE, Connexis will continue working alongside employers, learners, associations, government and industry partners to build the skilled workforce New Zealand’s infrastructure sectors need now and into the future,” Huria says.
This approval marks the culmination of a significant period of change within the vocational education and training system for Connexis and the industries it supports.
Kaarin Gaukrodger, Executive Director of Connexis, says the TEC approval is an important moment for both Connexis and infrastructure industry training in New Zealand, providing stability, consistency and certainty for learners, employers, staff and industry partners.
“Throughout that period, our focus has remained on ensuring learners, employers and industry have continued to receive the training and support that meets industries workforce needs. This approval provides a clear path forward and enables us to strengthen our role as a trusted industry partner in addressing workforce skills needs across the infrastructure sectors.
“Nothing changes for our learners, employers, assessors or key industry suppliers. Current learners will continue to work through their training programmes, employers can continue enrolling learners with confidence, and Connexis will keep delivering nationally recognised, work-based infrastructure training throughout New Zealand.”
Connexis Inc. founding member reaction:
Electricity Engineers’ Association Chief Executive Nicki Sutherland: “The EEA has long supported strong, industry-informed training pathways for the electricity supply industry. We’re delighted to be a founding member of the new Connexis incorporated society, giving us a seat at the table that will influence future industry training delivery.”
Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard: “Connexis has delivered qualifications for the civil construction industry for decades. Civil construction qualifications are vital for developing competence and recognising achievement in the industry, and CCNZ supports initiatives that support people in gaining the skills they need, and progress civil construction training, qualifications and apprenticeships.”
Water New Zealand Chief Executive Gillian Blythe: “Water New Zealand is excited and proud to be a founding member of Connexis and supporting the transition to an industry-owned Private Training Establishment (PTE). Providing targeted education and training builds the skills, expertise and confidence our workforce needs to meet industry and consumer demand, support long-term investment, and deliver essential infrastructure services across Aotearoa New Zealand.”