Shaping the Future of Sports Turf Training

8 April 2026

Work-based training in sports turf has long been supported through Primary ITO, providing practical, industry-aligned learning for employers and staff.

With changes to New Zealand’s vocational education system now underway, the sector has an opportunity to influence how training is delivered in the future. 

From 2027 onwards, training may be delivered by Polytechnics, Private Training Establishments (PTEs), Wānanga, or new providers. While training continues as normal during the transition, decisions made over the next two years will shape the long-term model. 

What needs to be considered

As the sports turf sector considers future delivery options, it is important to focus on what will deliver the best outcomes for employers and learners.

Key criteria include:

    • Consistent training and assessment aligned with industry requirements nationwide
    • Delivery and assessment with experienced people in the sports turf industry
    • Cost-effective nationwide delivery without the need for significant new investment
    • Strong workplace-based training, supported by off-job learning where needed 
    • Flexibility of delivery to reflect seasonal workloads, shift patterns, and regional differences
    • Flexible enrolment options, alongside structured intakes where appropriate
    • Ongoing industry input into programme design and delivery
    • Proven measurable outcomes that improve capability and productivity for the sports turf industry
    • Training that remains industry-led and relevant.

Equally important is how training is delivered and supported:

    • One-to-one learner support and accessibility for a diverse workforce
    • Proven capability in supporting employers and delivering on-job training
    • Regional delivery with national consistency and nationwide coverage
    • Options for both off job training and workplace-based learning
    • Kaupapa Māori delivery where appropriate.

Finally, the future model must be built to last, responsive to change, and scalable across regions, businesses, and workforce sizes.

An industry-led opportunity

This is a critical opportunity for the sports turf sector to shape a training system that continues to deliver high quality outcomes for learners and employers. 

Employer and industry feedback will play a key role in determining who delivers training in the future, and how it is structured. The goal is clear: a model that supports real-world learning, strengthens workforce capability, and continues to meet the needs of the industry. 

Expressions of interest to deliver the suite of sports turf programmes should be emailed through to info@primaryito.ac.nz by 30th April.

Primary ITO will continue working alongside the sector throughout this process, ensuring industry voice remains central and that training continues to deliver value where it matters most: on the job. 

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