News

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.

15 October 2025

This Rural Women’s Day, we turn the spotlight on Primary ITO executive director, Andrea Leslie.

3 September 2025

A passion for adult education has driven Primary ITO sector manager Tanya Ingram on a path of professional development while supporting learners and industry over two decades with the organisation.

29 July 2025

From hands-on in the vineyard, to management and a transition to supporting learners and employers undertaking on-job training, Primary ITO Sector Manager Jimmy Crockett brings a wealth of experience to the role.

3 July 2025

With a decade of dairy manufacturing experience under his belt, Primary ITO sector manager Alwyn Redhead is passionate about supporting the industry to develop and upskill its workforce.

26 June 2025

The shock was evident on the face of Coby Warmington as he was announced the winner of the 2025 Young Māori Farmer Award for Sheep and Beef at the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy, taking the opportunity to thank the award sponsors including Primary ITO.

28 May 2025

Growing trusted relationships with industry is a vital part of the role for Primary ITO Sector Manager Mark Orr, who joined the team 17 years ago after running his own successful landscaping business.

19 May 2025

Primary ITO has launched a horticulture cadetship pilot in Pukekohe that will provide extra support to learners and free up employers to spend more time on their businesses.

28 April 2025

If you're working in the rural pest sector, staying safe and working efficiently is key. That’s where Primary ITO’s Pest Operations training comes in!

11 March 2025

Ninety-four percent of Primary ITO learners are satisfied with their experience of training with us, according to results from the most recent learner experience survey in late 2024.