News

16 September 2026

Senior ag students at Dannevirke High School learned the basics of safe chainsaw operation in a short course delivered by Primary ITO Trades Academy recently.

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).

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.

8 July 2026

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

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.

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.

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.

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.  

2 April 2026

Primary ITO apprentice Tawera Tito is embarking on the opportunity of a lifetime – joining the Wimbledon 2026 grounds team to prepare the courts for the prestigious tennis tournament kicking off in London, in June.

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.