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Sheep, Beef
Shaping the future of work-based learning

19 February 2026

Industry employers have an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of work-based learning in the food and fibre industry over the next few months.

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Fencing skills for your farm team

12 February 2026

Fencing performs a vital role on farm and a new short training programme from Primary ITO ensures farm staff have the necessary skills to look after fencing requirements.

1Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor with NZKS team members and recent graduates
New Zealand King Salmon Celebrates New Aquaculture Diving Graduates

20 January 2026

New Zealand King Salmon (NZKS) is celebrating six team members, who recently received NZQA-approved qualifications in aquaculture diving, provided by Primary Industry Training Organisation (Primary ITO).

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Growing knowledge for a future in pork production

15 January 2026

North Otago pig farmer Ben Carter is one of the first graduates to complete the refreshed Primary ITO Pork Production training programme.

Dom Steenstra
Dom signs off after fifty-year career in horticulture

2 December 2025

After fifty years in horticulture and vocational education, Primary ITO Training Adviser Dom ‘the dominator’ Steenstra is retiring on 5 December to pursue retirement, or possibly a new career pathway.

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Gateway students kick-start their farming careers in Northland

26 November 2025

In a small rural community in North Hokianga, school students are learning practical skills and gaining valuable farming experience through the Primary ITO Gateway programme.

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Growing the next generation of skills on Canterbury farm

19 November 2025

On the rolling Canterbury plains near Methven, the third and fourth generation of the Molloy family are working the land and growing the knowledge of their dairy farm staff with Primary ITO.

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Vehicle and machinery micro-credentials open to non-primary sector

14 November 2025

Primary ITO vehicle and chainsaw micro-credentials are now available for self-employed owner-operators and people working in industries not related to the primary sector.

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Strengthen your skills. Protect our environment. 

13 November 2025

Grow your capability in rural pest operations with Primary ITO’s industry recognised, on-the-job training, giving you the skills to make a real impact on New Zealand’s biosecurity and contribute to a healthier rural environment.

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Young Horticulturalist competition celebrates up and coming talent

13 November 2025

Primary ITO learners and graduates featured strongly at the 2025 Young Horticulturalist of the Year Competition in Auckland on 6 November, with Canterbury nursery manager Jake Linklater winning the supreme title.