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ki Toi Mai Ohu Ahumahi Workforce Development Council
Government VET reforms

As a workforce development council, the role of Toi Mai Ohu Ahumahi is to ensure the vocational education system meets the needs of our industries, give a stronger voice to Māori business and iwi development, and open more career pathways for our underserved communities, including Māori, Pacific peoples, tāngata whaikaha, LGBTQIA+ and wāhine.

We give our sectors, employers, independent earners and volunteers greater leadership and influence across vocational education.

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Latest news

Report opens the book on library workforce issues
21/07/25

Report opens the book on library workforce issues

A shortage of Māori and Pacific librarians, low pay, high turnover for new entrants and limited career advancement opportunities are...
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Great need for more Māori and Pacific conservators and curators
21/07/25

Great need for more Māori and Pacific conservators and curators

Aotearoa needs to invest in training more indigenous conservators and curators to preserve and care for the thousands of nationally...
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New Zealand Needs a Comprehensive and Target-Driven AI Skills Strategy
15/07/25

New Zealand Needs a Comprehensive and Target-Driven AI Skills Strategy

The Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti recently commented that New Zealand has a “has a bit...
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Vocational education and training Bill doesn’t go far enough
10/07/25

Vocational education and training Bill doesn’t go far enough

The Government’s proposed Vocational Education and Training (VET) Amendment Bill won’t deliver the skills New Zealand industries need, particularly the...
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Latest update on the VET reforms: Industry Skills Boards’ announcement
02/07/25

Latest update on the VET reforms: Industry Skills Boards’ announcement

Toi Mai Workforce Development Council (WDC) is delighted the Government has listened to industry feedback and recognised the important creative...
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Matariki and Toi Mai – inclusion, silver linings and a boil up!
19/06/25

Matariki and Toi Mai – inclusion, silver linings and a boil up!

Toi Mai Poumatua Tama Kirikiri shares his thoughts on what Matariki means for Toi Mai as we head towards disestablishment,...
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Vocational Education and Training System Amendment Bill
19/06/25

Vocational Education and Training System Amendment Bill

Legislation disestablishing Te Pūkenga, replacing it with a network of regional polytechnics and establishing Industry Skills Boards to replace Workforce...
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Close-off date for quality assurance applications
18/06/25

Close-off date for quality assurance applications

Friday 3 October 2025 is the last date for Toi Mai to receive quality assurance applications as we move towards...
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Updated quals to stem personal trainer churn
25/04/25

Updated quals to stem personal trainer churn

Toi Mai has developed new exercise education products to reduce the churn and burn in the personal trainer (PT) sector,...
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Addressing cultural practitioner shortage
24/04/25

Addressing cultural practitioner shortage

Addressing the severe shortage of cultural practitioners, including Māori and Pacific conservators and curators, is the focus of a new...
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Toi Mai is having an impact
23/04/25

Toi Mai is having an impact

Almost 81% of respondents to a recent industry stakeholder survey said they are confident Toi Mai understands their industries’ priorities,...
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New qualifications reimagine screen sector training
10/04/25

New qualifications reimagine screen sector training

Toi Mai Workforce Development Council has responded to the screen sector’s call for shorter, work-based skills training, developing a new...
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Launch of Consent and Moderation Requirements 0099 Version 9
14/03/25

Launch of Consent and Moderation Requirements 0099 Version 9

Toi Mai is pleased to announce the successful approval and release of Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) 0099 Version 9 –...
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Rethinking Screen Sector Training in NZ
10/03/25

Rethinking Screen Sector Training in NZ

Toi Mai is taking action to make sure our multi-billion-dollar screen sector gets graduates with the skills they need to...
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New research to help tech sector unlock potential of disabled workforce
24/01/25

New research to help tech sector unlock potential of disabled workforce

New research by Toi Mai Workforce Development Council reveals how employing more tāngata whaikaha (disabled people) could bolster the success...
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Is the Fourth Estate terminal?
13/11/24

Is the Fourth Estate terminal?

Everyone knows a strong journalism sector is critical to a healthy democracy. Aotearoa functions best when journalists inform, uncover truths...
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New Zealanders value arts for wellbeing benefits
07/11/24

New Zealanders value arts for wellbeing benefits

For the first time in New Zealand, econometric analysis finds that New Zealanders place significant monetary value on participating in...
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New creative and cultural strategy hits the right notes
05/11/24

New creative and cultural strategy hits the right notes

Toi Mai Workforce Development Council celebrates the release of Amplify – the Government’s (draft) strategy for New Zealand’s creative and...
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New opportunities for screen-sector workforce in proposed qualification and programme
18/07/24

New opportunities for screen-sector workforce in proposed qualification and programme

Toi Mai has developed a new qualification and programme for screen, the next step in the journey towards the thriving...
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Working out the challenges in the exercise industry
11/07/24

Working out the challenges in the exercise industry

Realigning workforce qualifications with practical skills, developing a financially-sustainable business model, and convening stakeholders over challenges and opportunities, will contribute...
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Fanning the fire of the performing arts workforce
10/07/24

Fanning the fire of the performing arts workforce

A comprehensive cross-sector response is proposed to address the financial hardship and workforce challenges faced by Toi Puaki, New Zealand’s...
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Funding re-balance essential to training an effective screen workforce
09/07/24

Funding re-balance essential to training an effective screen workforce

A re-balancing of funding to the informal education and training sector will deliver the industry-specific skills and capabilities required by...
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Flexible, adaptable, work-based training needed for barbers and hairdressers
03/07/24

Flexible, adaptable, work-based training needed for barbers and hairdressers

Flexible and adaptive blended and work-based training is needed to prepare those launching careers as either barbers or hairdressers, and...
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Recognising, protecting and valuing Ngā Toi Māori is critical to our cultural and economic future
02/07/24

Recognising, protecting and valuing Ngā Toi Māori is critical to our cultural and economic future

Establishing key industry infrastructure around ringatoi (artists) is critical to ensuring Aotearoa benefits from the commercial, economic and cultural benefits...
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Feedback critical to shaping the future of vocational education
27/06/24

Feedback critical to shaping the future of vocational education

Stakeholder feedback is being sought on four new Workforce Development Plans (WDPs) and one Industry Development Plan (IDP) released today...
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Striking a balance: wellbeing vs. financial security in the arts
17/06/24

Striking a balance: wellbeing vs. financial security in the arts

Income is a crucial factor in life security and satisfaction for any individual and their whānau in New Zealand, but...
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New micro-credential opens up a clear pathway into the screen industry
27/05/24

New micro-credential opens up a clear pathway into the screen industry

Toi Mai is celebrating a milestone moment with a newly listed micro-credential ‘Introduction to the Aotearoa New Zealand Screen Industry’. ...
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Major systemic change needed in technology education if industry is to thrive
19/05/24

Major systemic change needed in technology education if industry is to thrive

Major systemic change is required in vocational education coordination, funding and provision if New Zealand is to realise the potential...
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Organisational values recognised at the 2024 NZ HR Awards
19/03/24

Organisational values recognised at the 2024 NZ HR Awards

Rangā ngā whenua onamata hei tohu anamata – Weaving the strands of the past to signpost the future. Members of...
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New skill standards for screen-sector careers
19/12/23

New skill standards for screen-sector careers

Aotearoa is currently facing a major shortage in the Toi Pāho (broadcast and screen sector) workforce. To help remedy this...
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Research on the barriers to diversity in the Aotearoa tech sector released
14/12/23

Research on the barriers to diversity in the Aotearoa tech sector released

“All over the world, diversity and inclusion is one of the biggest challenges facing the tech industry today, and New...
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New qualifications for a new Aotearoa
12/12/23

New qualifications for a new Aotearoa

The way we consume media has shifted dramatically in recent years, from broadcasting linear media on radio and television, to...
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New qualification aims to silence sour note of declining piano tuner numbers
20/11/23

New qualification aims to silence sour note of declining piano tuner numbers

This past weekend, TVNZ ran a story covering the nationwide shortage of piano tuners and the new qualification developed by...
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Māoriland: Nurturing the next generation of screen professionals in Aotearoa
30/10/23

Māoriland: Nurturing the next generation of screen professionals in Aotearoa

Earlier this month, some Toi Mai kaimahi had the chance to visit Māoriland in Ōtaki, the home of the Māoriland...
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Reflecting on two years of advocating for Ngā Peka o Toi
12/10/23

Reflecting on two years of advocating for Ngā Peka o Toi

Although the Workforce Development Councils were established on 4 October 2021, our first five kaimahi didn’t officially start until the...
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Unlocking the power of knowledge through Te Mata Raraunga
27/09/23

Unlocking the power of knowledge through Te Mata Raraunga

Ohu Ahumahi (the collective of the six Workforce Development Councils) are pleased to share Te Mata Raraunga, a shared data...
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Te Wao Nui o Toi recognised with a prestigious Good Design Award for excellence in design and innovation
08/09/23

Te Wao Nui o Toi recognised with a prestigious Good Design Award for excellence in design and innovation

Our first sector-specific workforce development plan, Te Wao Nui o Toi — capability and development plan for the below-the-line screen...
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Industry-driven learning: new micro-credential for screen-sector careers
06/09/23

Industry-driven learning: new micro-credential for screen-sector careers

Aotearoa is currently facing a major shortage in the Toi Pāho (broadcast and screen sector) workforce. To help remedy this...
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Transformation through collaboration: Empowering Pacific learners, businesses and employers
05/09/23

Transformation through collaboration: Empowering Pacific learners, businesses and employers

(Front row L-R) Chris Gosling Chief Executive Hāpaitia, Tofilau Talalelei Taufale Co-Chair Pacific Fono, Dr Claire Robinson Chief Executive Toi...
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Championing te Tiriti o Waitangi: Toi Mai announced as winner at the 2023 Diversity Awards
31/08/23

Championing te Tiriti o Waitangi: Toi Mai announced as winner at the 2023 Diversity Awards

Last night, Toi Mai was announced as the winner of Ngā Āhuatanga o te Tiriti Tohu at the Diversity Awards...
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Toi Mai Operational Plan released
31/07/23

Toi Mai Operational Plan released

  Iti rearea kahikatea ka taea, the second Operational Plan for Toi Mai, outlines the needs and priorities of Toi...
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New Board member brings a fresh Pacific perspective
03/07/23

New Board member brings a fresh Pacific perspective

Toi Mai Co-Chairs Dr Kathie Irwin and Alice Shearman are thrilled to announce Pita Alatini as the newest member of...
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Memorandum of Collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force
13/06/23

Memorandum of Collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force

The New Zealand Defence Force has signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with New Zealand’s six Ohu Ahumahi Workforce Development Councils...
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Toi Mai sets course for the future with new Co-Chairs
30/05/23

Toi Mai sets course for the future with new Co-Chairs

From 1 June 2023, Toi Mai will have two new Board Co-Chairs to continue driving positive changes within the vocational...
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Industry and government set to collaborate to boost screen workforce
09/03/23

Industry and government set to collaborate to boost screen workforce

Toi Mai, the Workforce Development Council for the creative, cultural, recreation and technology sectors, is seeking feedback on how to...
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Te poari hou o Toi Mai
12/12/22

Te poari hou o Toi Mai

The new Toi Mai board The Toi Mai board changed on 11 December 2022. Two of our founding board members...
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Embracing Digital Transformation (EDT) Project goes live!
30/11/22

Embracing Digital Transformation (EDT) Project goes live!

Toi Mai is pleased to release its second Tertiary Education Commission WDC/TITO COVID-19 Response Projects Fund project report: Embracing Digital...
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The COVID-19 Recovery Baseline Engagement and Data (BED) Project
28/10/22

The COVID-19 Recovery Baseline Engagement and Data (BED) Project

Toi Mai is proud to release its first Tertiary Education Commission WDC/TITO COVID-19 Response Projects Fund project report: The COVID-19...
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Moe mai rā e te Ariki Kuini Irihapeti te tuarua
09/09/22

Moe mai rā e te Ariki Kuini Irihapeti te tuarua

A tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II   He kura tangihia, He maimai aroha Kimihia rangahaua Kei whea koutou...
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Toi Mai plans for future skills needs
01/07/22

Toi Mai plans for future skills needs

Te ara whanake o Toi Mai, the first operational plan of Toi Mai, has a strong focus on building a...
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Toi Mai to endorse new and revised programmes from 1 June
31/05/22

Toi Mai to endorse new and revised programmes from 1 June

As part of the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE), six Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) now have the responsibility to endorse...
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Tech funding will help untap diverse potential
19/05/22

Tech funding will help untap diverse potential

Toi Mai Te Tumu o Toi, Chief Executive Dr Claire Robinson, and Poumatua Tama Kirikiri welcome the pre-budget announcement of...
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Annie Collins: Forging her own path in film industry
08/03/22

Annie Collins: Forging her own path in film industry

Toi Mai celebrates inspirational women for International Women’s Day. Film editor Annie Collins has been single-minded and determined in her...
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Ann Davis-Maroulis: Whakawhanaungatanga weaves strands together
08/03/22

Ann Davis-Maroulis: Whakawhanaungatanga weaves strands together

Toi Mai celebrates inspirational women for International Women’s Day. When Māori businesswoman, Ann Davis-Maroulis (Ngā Rauru Kiitahi) grew up in...
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Te Toa Takitini Quality Newsletter
31/01/22

Te Toa Takitini Quality Newsletter

Quality Assurance Newsletter – January Toi Mai welcomes you to our first ever newsletter for Kura and Providers! E ngā...
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Toi Mai Workforce Development Council celebrates appointment of Tama Kirikiri as Poumatua and Deputy Chief Executive
28/10/21

Toi Mai Workforce Development Council celebrates appointment of Tama Kirikiri as Poumatua and Deputy Chief Executive

Co-chairs of the Toi Mai Workforce Development Council welcome the appointment of Tama Kirikiri, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Konohi, Ngāti Rākaipaaka,...
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Toi Mai Workforce Development Council appoints Chief Executive
17/09/21

Toi Mai Workforce Development Council appoints Chief Executive

Toi Mai Workforce Development Council (WDC) today announced the appointment of Dr Claire Robinson as Chief Executive. Toi Mai Workforce...
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07/07/21

Induction event to kickstart industry leadership in future skills development

A two-day induction event kicks off today for 54 industry leaders and innovators who will play a vital role in...
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14/05/21

The Orders in Council for the WDCs

The Reforms of Vocational Education (RoVE) have taken another significant step with the passing and gazetting of the Orders in...
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Industry focus

Check out Ngā Peka o Toi (our sectors)

Toi Pāho

Broadcast and screen
Broadcast and screen

Toi Pāho

Content delivered through broadcast and screen media: film, radio, television and online interactive media, including advertising and game development.

Toi Puaki

Performing arts
Performing arts

Toi Puaki

Expressive art forms and technologies in music, stage, theatre, events, dance and creative writing.

Toi Whānui

Enabling technologies
Enabling technologies

Toi Whānui

Innovative and emerging technology platforms, products and services for industry and end-users, including artificial intelligence, cyber security, virtual reality and software as a service.

Toi ā-Ringa

Art and design
Art and design

Toi ā-Ringa

Hands-on (haptic/tactile) art and design, barbering, hairdressing, beauty, fashion, floristry, advertising, visual media and communication.

Toi Ora

Sport, recreation and cultural organisations
Sport, recreation and cultural organisations

Toi Ora

Activities and places that foster the social, physical and mental wellbeing of the people of Aotearoa.

Toi Māori

Taonga works and the oral arts
Taonga works and the oral arts

Toi Māori

Aotearoa benefits significantly from our cultural character. Our ringatoi Māori (Māori artists) create taonga and provide the foundation for a unique national identity.