Co-chairs’ introduction

Tēnā koutou katoa

In the year since we launched Te Mahere Ohumahi ā-Rohe o Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui – Marlborough Regional Workforce Plan, we have been encouraged by the engagement and support we have seen from our community. This collaborative approach has enabled our Marlborough Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG) to provide a strong regional voice on workforce issues, grounded in local knowledge, experience, and insights.

This is our first annual review and refresh of the 2022 RWP. It has given us the opportunity to review our work, celebrate our successes, and make sure we are heading in the right direction. We have accomplished a lot in the short time since we launched the 2022 RWP. As we move into year two, there is still much to be achieved.

Our 6 focus areas and 5 focus sectors remain relevant and aligned with our vision for the future of Marlborough. We have taken this opportunity to broaden 2 focus sectors to better capture their unique challenges:

  • Aged Care becomes Health 
  • Aviation becomes Aerospace.

We also highlight exciting emerging industries that we anticipate becoming increasingly important in our region’s economy, such as medical cannabis research and cultivation.

Our work is aligned with and complements the Te Tauihu Intergenerational Strategy 2020 which sets out the vision for the future of the region.

Te Tauihu Intergenerational Strategy 2020(external link) — Te Tauihu

We are connecting to their Oceans Economy Strategy by collaborating with the Nelson Tasman RSLG on Aquaculture. We are also adding our voice to the call for Māori/iwi data for Te Tauihu to ensure that there is an evidence base for interventions, and advocating for Mā Māori, Mō Māori, ki a Māori solutions to workforce and skills issues.

Through our local partnerships we have deepened our knowledge of Marlborough’s current and future workforce needs, and how our local education and training can respond and contribute. We have built relationships with the newly established Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) so we can better understand the skills needed by employers in their industries. We incorporated our understanding and regional insights into our April 2023 advice to the Tertiary Education Comission (TEC) for consideration when making their funding decisions for 2024 delivery.

Advice to the Tertiary Education Commission

We see the different parts of the system falling into place. We all have a role to play, and the Marlborough RSLG will continue influencing, collaborating, and co-ordinating with our community to unlock Marlborough’s potential.

Finally, we would like to give our thanks to our RSLG members, our community, and our partners. Together we play a critical part in the successful delivery of our workforce plan and achieving our vision for the future of Marlborough

Marlborough RSLG co-chairs Corey Hebberd and Jennifer Moxon

Marlborough RSLG co-chairs Corey Hebberd and Jennifer Moxon

Last updated: 20 June 2023