News

Displaying all articles

the Gundry boys fencing
Growing the next generation of farmers with Primary ITO Trades Academy

10 September 2026

Dannevirke High School students are gaining hands-on farming skills and valuable real-world experience through Primary ITO Trades Academy, leading to employment and cadetship opportunities.

Pork Conference Photo
Pork industry celebrates up and coming talent

28 August 2026

Congratulations to Ben Carter and Gary Thomas, joint winners of the 2026 Stockperson of the Year Award, announced at the NZ Pork conference in Christchurch recently.

brown chicken in grass PSQXSLY
Poultry programme opens to lifestyle farmers and hobby flock owners

26 August 2026

Recent detections of avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in New Zealand have shone a spotlight on the importance of biosecurity and poultry health across the country.

Jacob (1)
Q&A with Primary ITO graduate Jacob Sced

19 August 2026

Congratulations to Jacob Sced from Longridge Country Estate in Paeroa, who recently completed his New Zealand Apprenticeship in Landscape Construction (Level 4).

Brandon
Taranaki farmer wins LIC Apprentice of the Year Award

10 August 2026

Taranaki dairy farmer Brandon Hitchcock was shocked to win the LIC Apprentice of the Year title in June, after completing training as an Artificial Breeding (AB) Technician through LIC and Primary ITO.

SGZ441 extend top for social reel small
Short flexible training now available for horticulture industry

27 July 2026

Primary ITO is introducing short modular training for the horticulture industry, to support new staff to gain introductory knowledge and existing staff to grow their skills.

Lochiel 1
Primary ITO takes next step towards industry-owned future

8 July 2026

An Interim Establishment Board has been appointed to guide the organisation as it establishes an industry-owned Private Training Establishment (PTE).

Signature Plants   Lori (left) with Veda and Greta
Growing plants and knowledge with Primary ITO training

2 July 2026

Growing healthy plants for ecological restoration and landscaping projects is all in a day’s work for Signature Plants Ltd. The Auckland-based business are firm believers in the power of education and upskilling staff with training through Primary ITO.

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.