Advice for the Tertiary Education Commission
Advice provided by the Tāmaki Makaurau Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG) to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) in April 2023 to inform supplementary guidance and investment for 2024.
On this page
This is the web version of the Tāmaki Makaurau RSLG advice to the Tertiary Education commision
Regional Skills Leadership Groups (RSLGs) are part of a joined‐up approach to labour market planning that will see our workforce, education and immigration systems working together to better meet the differing skills needs across the motu. They are a fundamental part of the drive to build productive, inclusive, sustainable and resilient regions.
RSLGs have the ability to inform the TEC investment of tertiary education organisations in 2024 through the provision of specific regional advice. This document is the vehicle for this advice.
About this advice
Broadly, the advice in this document will include:
- key labour shortages in Tāmaki Makaurau with a focus on specific communities
- an overview of current engagements with relevant Workforce Development Councils and Tertiary Education Organisations around tertiary education related activities
- tertiary education specific advice for TEC as it relates to direct investment
This document is in support of the Regional Workforce Plan - Building the Workforce for Better Jobs.
Tāmaki Makaurau Regional Workforce Plan(external link)
This report sets out an ambitious plan for workforce and skills development that delivers good skills, good jobs, good businesses, and ultimately, a good quality of life.
Over the last year, the Tāmaki Makaurau RSLG has spoken with:
- iwi/Māori
- employers
- unions
- learners
- industry organisations
- whānau
- educators
- government agencies.
All have identified a lack of co-ordinated action at the regional level as a barrier to better labour market outcomes.
Tāmaki Makaurau, a place desired by many, has been built from a rich Māori heritage. Today it has one of the most diverse populations globally, is the world’s largest Pacific village, and home to large ethnic and migrant communities. Its workforce and industries have scope to benefit from employing and upskilling more people from these communities, as well as:
- rangatahi, or youth
- women
- people with disabilities
- ageing workers.
One of the RSLG’s first decisions was to endorse Tāmaki 10,000 as the Māori workforce strategy for the region. The Tāmaki 10,000 strategy is a partnership between iwi, urban Māori and Māori providers which will see 10,000 whānau supported in their employment journeys. The RSLG is working to address this challenge. This plan includes a range of actions over the short, medium, and long term with a focus on communities where there is scope to improve labour market outcomes. It also focuses on industries that are developing the workforce and skills that the region needs for the future.
In this section
Skill shortages in Tāmaki Makaurau
There are several skills and workforce challenges in Tāmaki Makaurau. The region is facing a shortage of skilled workers in several industries such as construction, hospitality, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, healthcare, and information technology. This is making it difficult for businesses to find the talent they need to grow and expand.
What we have heard from Tertiary Education Providers in Tāmaki Makaurau
The ākonga in Tāmaki Makaurau are currently supported by several tertiary education providers. As of 2021, there were over 25 tertiary education providers in Auckland.
What we have heard from Industry
Industry have been consistent in what they are telling us. There are common themes regardless of the sectors, including labour shortages, skills gaps and investment in training and development. The following are recommendations and insights from various hui and engagements across sectors.
Alignment with Workforce Development Councils
This advice has been presented with a distinct focus on Construction, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Food, Fibre & Whenua, Kaiāwhina Health Workforce.
Recommendations
The following recommendations seek to inform Tāmaki Makaurau’s unique labour market, development of skills for learner success, future workforce and the quality of qualifications.
Forecast job opening and detailed occupations
Data used by the Regional Skills Leadership Group to develop the Tāmaki Makaurau Tertiary Education Commission advice.
Conclusion
The Tāmaki Makaurau region employment levels continue to rise, but at a more limited pace, as labour market challenges compromise the ability for businesses to find the levels and types of talent they need.
Annex 1 – Workforce and Skills Challenges for Hospitality
The Hospitality Dashboard is a monthly snapshot of the industry, covering key data, initiatives led by the industry over the month, member commentary, future considerations and the common pain points.