Members of the Southland Murihiku RSLG | Ō Mātau Tākata

Paul Marshall

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Managing Director, Aratiatia Livestock Ltd
Founder and Co-chair - Waiau Rivercare Group Inc
Member - Environment Southland Regional Forum

The Southland Murihiku RWP 2022 is an important first step in helping shape investment in our Region’s vocational training. Our goal is to match labour skills with demand so that no one is left behind.

Tracey Wright-Tawha MNZM (Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Te Ati Awa, Kati Kuri)

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Tumu Whakarae CEO, Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu
Executive Member - Oraka Aparima Runaka
Alternate - Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Otago Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit

The Southland Murihiku Regional Workforce Plan is about influencing and shaping a brighter more prosperous future for Southlanders.

Chami Abeysinghe

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International Director & Marketing Manager, and Manager – Childcare Centre, Southern Institute of Technology Ltd.

Member - SIT Executive Leadership Team
General Manager - Southern Lakes English College
Member - Te Pūkenga International Working Group – Transitional Team
President Elect, Rotary Foundation & International Director - Rotary Club of Invercargill

The Southland region is in a phase of transformational change and being on the Southland Murihiku RSLG has enabled me to be part of this change. Our work is just the beginning of identifying the skills needed for our region and our rakatahi to thrive.

Karen Purdue

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Community Partnership Leader, Southland District Council

Member - Rotary Club of Invercargill Sunrise
Project Lead - John Parsons EQ-IQ cyber safety program
Board Member - Southland SHARKS Basketball

I’m excited that our plan will help drive change in the region to support better ways of meeting future skills and workforce needs for all in our Murihiku communities.

Amanda Whitaker

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General Manager – Planning, Development and Innovation, Southern Institute of Technology

Member - SIT Executive Leadership Team
Member – Southland Youth Futures Advisory Committee

The Regional Workforce Plan is a vital piece of work to develop a roadmap which focuses on a sustainable outlook and economy for Murihiku’s future generations.

Ben Lewis

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General Manager – Business Services, Great South

The Southland Murihiku Regional Workforce plan is an important and timely overview of the current labour market situation and workforce demands in Southland. The plan will be used to strengthen current, successful work in this area, as well as being a launching pad for new initiatives that develop a thriving labour market in our region.

Chris Kennett

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Production Manager, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Awarua Manufacturing Facility

Board member - Kindergartens South Pūtahi Kura Pūhou o Murihiku
Member - Southland Youth Futures Advisory Committee
Coach/Instructor - Surfing for Farmers Charity

I am deeply passionate about being a leader for the future planning and prosperity for our Murihiku region. I’m even more passionate about bringing about future-ready change that gives richness and fulfilment for all in our community.

Anna Huffstutler

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Union Organiser, E Tu Union

Convenor - Southland Council of Trade Unions
Secretary - Southland Beneficiaries and Community Rights

The regional workforce plan assists with identifying key workforce development opportunities that are aligned to our region. I am especially proud of the inclusion of the minimum of the living wage rate which acknowledges the need for decent work for all workers in Southland.

Lisa Shaw (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Raukawa)

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Project Manager - He Ara ki Tiromaunga
Board member - Kindergartens South Pūtahi Kura Pūhou o Murihiku
Independent Chair - ACE Aparima Community Environment

For me, the Southland Murihiku Regional Workforce Plan is fundamental to building strong communities and thriving businesses in a sustainable environment. It sets out how we will grow capability and create opportunities for meaningful engagement with work.

Karina Davis-Marsden (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Waitaha)

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Kōrari Māori Public Health Manager, Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Trust Board Board

Member - Murihiku Mīharo Board
Member and Executive Member - Oraka Aparima Runaka
Trustee - Te Ara a Kewa Waka Ama Trust
Trustee - Tumai Te Mauri Ora Trust

Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei (For us and our children after us).

Selina Forbes (Tūhoe, Ngāi Te Ranginui)

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Sub-Branch President for the New Zealand Meat Workers Union (NZMWU), Alliance Lorneville Plant

I have been involved for a very short time and believe it has been a fantastic group to work with and bringing the future of our Workforce and future Rangatira together to come up with pathways to help Southland.

Mapihi Kahurangi Davis (Tainui, Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu)

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Kaiārahi Hōtaka - Programme Development Officer, Murihiku Regeneration

Rakatahi Member - MoE – Ka Hikitia, Ka Hāpaitia Impact Steering Group Member - Te Rūnanga o Awarua

I am a firm believer in the potential and aspirations of Murihiku, and grateful for the opportunity to provide insights on behalf of Murihiku rakatahi for the betterment of the collective rohe.

Steph Voight

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Regional Commissioner Southern Region, Ministry of Social Development, Regional Public Service Commissioner Southland & Otago

Member – Otago Regional Skills Leadership Group
Enduring Oversight Group Member - Just Transition (Southland)
Rōpū Manawhakahaere Member - Whāngaia Ngā Pā Harakeke (Otago & Southland)
Governance Group Member - Otago Pioneer Women Memorial Association
Governance Group Member - RightTrack Otago The Southland Murihiku

Regional Workforce Plan provides a blueprint to the future for a tākiwa that is fundamentally transforming, whilst still facing the same skill and labour challenges as the rest of Aotearoa.