News

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.

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.  

8 April 2026

From Oamaru to customers across New Zealand and offshore, Milligans Food Group manufactures a wide range of dairy and non-dairy products with skilled staff trained through Primary ITO.

30 March 2026

Congratulations to Piripi Kahotea-Rangikotua (Half Shell & Meat Production Manager) and Wharengaro Tapara-Kurei (Quality Assurance Manager) at Open Ocean Whakatōhea Mussels, for completing the full Seafood Processing training and qualification pathway.

19 March 2026

Native birdsong echoing through regenerated bush and thriving ecosystems across Banks Peninsula is the aim of a local conservation trust, with the support of Primary ITO training.

2 March 2026

Primary ITO qualified landscaper Sarah Moorhouse loves working with the team at New Concept Landscaping to create attractive outdoor spaces that clients delight in.

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.

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.

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.

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.