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Meg and finalists
Green-fingered Primary ITO graduate wins horticulture award

22 June 2026

Fresh off a flight from the United States, Primary ITO graduate Meg Spittal took out the title of 2026 Young Amenity Horticulturalist of the Year in May.

ZI   Mount Cook
First apprentices complete refreshed aquaculture apprenticeship

15 June 2026

Nestled under the Southern Alps in pristine flowing waters, Mt Cook Alpine Salmon produces the highly sought after seafood delicacy for local and international markets, with skilled staff trained through Primary ITO.

Horowhenua Article
Hands-on learning shaping farming futures - Helping tackle New Zealand’s looming rural skills shortage.

5 June 2026

New Zealand’s future farmers, fencers, contractors and rural workers are already learning the ropes not from behind desks, but out in paddocks, yards and woolsheds across Horowhenua and Kāpiti. Photo & Article Credit: Frankie Webb, Horowhenua Chronicle

Mark Ready with trophy
Top Dairy Trainee credits knowledge boost to award win

3 June 2026

Up and coming dairy farmer Mark Ready, 23, has his eyes firmly set on the future, after taking out the Dairy Trainee of the Year Award at the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua in May.

Kelly Black Ruby McNab
Qualified arborist supports women in tree care

27 May 2026

With twenty years’ experience in tree care, Primary ITO-qualified arborist Kelly Black runs her own business and co-founded an initiative to support women working in the tree care industry.

Trades Academy   Group Photo   Smedley Station
Trades Academy camp showcases career pathways

18 May 2026

Twenty-six students spent a week of their school holidays soaking up farm life and learning about career pathways during the annual Primary ITO Trades Academy camp.

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Helping Shape the Future of Viticulture and Wine Production Training

8 May 2026

New Zealand’s wine industry has built a strong reputation on quality, innovation, and skilled people. Supporting that workforce through practical, on-job training remains critical to the future success of the sector.

Simon Croom
New General Manager passionate about people

6 May 2026

From milking cows on his grandad’s farm in England to empowering people to grow their skills and careers in New Zealand’s primary sector, Primary ITO's Simon Croom is passionate about people.  

Alastair Gordon
Primary ITO’s Al Gordon celebrates 20 year milestone

28 April 2026

Supporting successful on-job learning and assessment is a highlight of Al Gordon’s twenty-year career at Primary ITO, a significant milestone he achieved in April.

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Primary ITO learners shine at NZDIA regional finals

20 April 2026

Primary ITO learners have won numerous awards at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) regional finals held across the country over the last few months.