Kia ora koutou,
As we approach the shortest day of the year, we are moving closer toward our 2026 elections with many I’ve talked to hoping that it brings continuity in infrastructure investment and stability to the vocational education and training system that has been in an extended state of change.
The recent Budget 2026 announcements brought welcome investment in infrastructure, such as the Waikato Expressway extension, rail investment, state highway resilience and energy stability. This signals not only increased activity but also employment and training opportunities across the infrastructure sector as the need to grow our skilled local infrastructure workforce continues to increase.
The Budget also takes a positive step toward meeting the growing demand for a skilled local workforce, through curriculum changes that introduce more industry-led subjects and increased investment in trades training for Years 11 to 13. This shift is encouraging, as it recognises and supports the more than two-thirds of school leavers who do not pursue a university pathway.
For Connexis, this shift reflects what we have long understood, vocational pathways play a critical role in building both individual careers and a strong local workforce to support the health and prosperity of New Zealanders through quality-built infrastructure.
The wider vocational education and training (VET) system continues to evolve through its current redesign. Connexis remains part of the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (EIISB), following the transition out of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST – formally known as Te Pūkenga,) as the government moves to close NZIST. Within this context, Connexis has received strong support from employers and key stakeholders to continue as a national provider for infrastructure work-based training and we are working closely with the EIISB, New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) with the aim to transition out of the EIISB later in 2026. The final approval for the transition out of the EIISB is made by the TEC Board.
While this work progresses, we want to reassure employers and learners that it is very much business as usual. We continue to support current learners and welcome new enrolments with the confidence that every learner will continue to be supported through to the end of the training programmes and attainment of their qualification. You can keep updated on the vocational education and training developments on our dedicated VET review page here.
Alongside system changes, our focus remains firmly on supporting delivery of high-quality training and development opportunities. We’ve been pleased by the strong uptake of our Lead Well leadership programmes, delivered both in person and online nationwide. These programmes support not only trade and technical capability but also those moving into leadership roles, providing practical tools and confidence to lead effectively in the workforce.
Another key initiative in developing resilient leaders is our Connexis Outward Bound scholarships. You can read about the latest recipients in this eNews. It’s inspiring to hear how participants grow and return to their workplaces better equipped to handle challenges.
June marks our Girls with Hi-Vis® (GWHV) month, now in its 11th year. This nationwide initiative continues to grow, with over 30 host companies across New Zealand, 80 schools and over 800 female schooled students registered to attend this year. Through site visits, practical activities and meeting other females already working in the sector, these events are helping to broaden career horizons and deliver real opportunities as students connect with local infrastructure employers. It’s exciting to see females who first were introduced to infrastructure careers through GWHV, now hosting these events for their employers. Since its launch, we have seen the proportion of Connexis female trade and technical trainees grow from 8% in 2015 to 16%.
Finally, we recognise the commitment it takes for our learners to be working fulltime while undertaking their training. Balancing work life, home life and study can be challenging. At Connexis we have a number of support mechanisms available. If someone is finding the learning challenging, there are tools and support available including reader/writer assistive technologies and one-on-one support. Please do reach out to your account manager if one of your team are feeling particularly challenged on their learning journey. Or if a learner needs help to find that life balance or support with relationship concerns, or requires financial or legal advice, they can access FREE support through VITAE here.
As always, thank you for your continued investment and commitment to building and retaining a skilled, capable and resilient infrastructure workforce.
Ngā mihi
Kaarin Gaukrodger
Connexis Executive Director