Closing comments

This update reflects the Regional Skills Leadership Group’s unwavering commitment to improve workforce outcomes for our communities and industry and provide excellent job opportunities across the Bay area.

Moving forward, we will focus on the equity component outlined in our Regional Workforce Plan’s aspiration pillars and building resilience in our communities and industry to overcome the impacts of future events.

The solid foundation for our work is and will remain Mā te Māori, Mō te Māori’, reflecting the importance of partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and underpinning the equitable outcomes we seek.

We also aim to use the Tertiary Education Commission investment case process to refine our workforce strategy and enhance our labour market performance by investing in relevant labour market programmes. Despite the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and the recent crisis caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, we remain determined to build better and more sustainable prospects for our people.

As always, we thank you, the reader, for staying engaged in this kaupapa with us. The mahi takes time and effort, and we remain mindful that it cannot be achieved without you, our regional partners, and friends.

Turi Ngatai and Dr Chris Tooley

Co-Chair's, Bay of Plenty