Context | Te horopaki

RSLG context

In 2020, 15 Regional Skills Leadership Groups across New Zealand were created to identify and support better ways of meeting future skills and workforce needs in our regions and cities.

The groups are independent and have 12-15 members, including two Co-chairs. Members include regional business, iwi/Māori and trade union leaders, local government/economic development agencies, community groups, skills training institutions and central government representatives who contribute their knowledge, diverse perspectives and local expertise about their region’s labour market. RSLGs are supported by a regionally based team of analysts, advisors and workforce specialists from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

As part of the Review of Vocational Education (RoVE) reforms, RSLGs also work in conjunction with six different Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) that were established in October 2021. Each WDC is industry-specific and focuses on skills leadership, standard setting, quality assurance, advice, endorsement, brokerage and advocacy. Collaboration is at the heart of their mahi and they seek to partner with key agencies to deliver positive transformation through the vocational education system. They are a major partner of RSLGs for building and supporting regional labour market initiatives and actions.

Our Regional Workforce Plan

RSLGs are responsible for developing these Regional Workforce Plans (RWPs) which will identify jobs that region needs and/or will be creating, the skills needed for these jobs and the most effective ways to maximise the ability to meet these workforce needs, both regionally and nationally. In essence, this RWP will identify and support better ways of meeting future skills and workforce needs for Southland Murihiku.

This initial RWP 2022/23 will establish an on-going regionally led approach to labour market planning which, alongside the 14 other RWPs, will provide a clear view on how we can better meet differing skills needs across Aotearoa. The RWPs will be revisited regularly to reflect on our actions and measures and ensure we are directing our effort where it is most effective. We will build on, add to, and develop this RWP and its actions over time, as our knowledge of the challenges and opportunities we face grows and develops.

Key outcomes the RSLGs aim to achieve include:

  • A more coordinated labour market view that takes account of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and equity for priority groups.
  • Current and future workforce needs for our regions and cities are accessible and understood.
  • Our education, welfare and immigration agencies are better connected through regional labour market planning and delivery, reflecting partnership, equity and Kaupapa Māori.
  • Regional education, training and upskilling is responsive to the needs of learners and employers at all stages.
  • Better availability for businesses to employ New Zealanders with the skills required for current and future jobs.
  • All skills and labour market activities are connected and informed by the same data and evidence.

We recognise many regions across New Zealand face similar labour challenges and opportunities, so we need to look for unique ways of solving them. If you are connected to or have an interest in the Southland Murihiku labour market, then this document is for you. Our RSLG will be responsible for steering the direction of this plan, but we will be working closely with our stakeholders and partners to help determine what that direction looks like. For updates on our progress and more information on how you can get involved in the conversation, visit our webpage.

Southland Murihiku Regional Skills Leadership Group(external link)