Regional Skills Leadership Groups

Our labour markets could be better coordinated at a regional level, with more aligned decision-making by employers, workers, educators, schools and agencies.

To achieve this, the Government has announced its intention to establish Regional Skills Leadership Groups. These groups will identify workforce and skills needs in their region, both now and in the future, and advise on actions to cultivate these.

The Groups will feature regional industry leaders, economic development agencies, worker representatives, iwi, and government representatives, who will contribute their knowledge and local expertise.

They will develop Regional Workforce Plans which project labour supply needs and outline how to create better and more attractive jobs across the region. 

Our education, welfare and immigration systems will act on this advice to make sure these skills are developed and available. Employers can act on this advice to tackle barriers to employment and productivity growth, by pooling resources and offering attractive job opportunities.

Read the Ministers' announcement on Regional Skills Leadership Groups(external link)

Download a factsheet on the Regional Skills Leadership Groups [PDF, 539 KB]

Next steps

We’re currently seeking targeted feedback on the best way to design the Regional Skills Leadership Groups, so they work for each region. We expect to establish the first Groups by mid-2020.

For more information about this consultation, please contact us on rslg@mbie.govt.nz.

Cabinet papers

Cabinet Paper: Establishing Regional Skills Leadership Groups [PDF, 434 KB]

Cabinet Minute: Establishing Regional Skills Leadership Groups [PDF, 186 KB]

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