New research by Toi Mai Workforce Development Council reveals how employing more tāngata whaikaha (disabled people) could bolster the success of New Zealand’s technology sector.

The Tāngata Whaikaha in Tech report highlights opportunities to unlock the diverse talent in the tāngata whaikaha community through improvements in technology education, recruiting and the workplace.

“Historically, local tech employees have been mainly male, of European or Asian descent and non-disabled, with the remainder usually highly skilled migrants,” says Te Tumu o Toi | CEO of Toi Mai Dr Claire Robinson.

“Technology might be New Zealand’s third largest export and one of its fastest growing sectors, but we know a severe lack of workforce diversity including under-utilisation of tāngata whaikaha undermines efforts to grow the industry.”

Robinson says tapping into diverse populations can widen the technology talent pool, fill skill gaps, and contribute to a more innovative, mature and resilient sector.

Tāngata Whaikaha in Tech builds on research released by Toi Mai last year that found multiple barriers for people who are non-white, non-male and disabled that prevent them from entering the technology sector.

The new research is the first in-depth look into the tāngata whaikaha–sector relationship, why that community is heavily underrepresented in technology businesses, and opportunities to address that.

“By filling this knowledge gap, we can contribute to a better equipped local workforce, increased business success for the tech sector and improved economic outcomes for tāngata whaikaha,” says Robinson.

The report provides technology educators and industry with practical tips to help ensure tāngata whaikaha can successfully progress through study and into technology employment.

Robinson says research participants highlighted what they would like to see change. This included confronting ableism to ensure a fair go in tech recruitment and making recruiters aware that a disability does not cancel out ability.

She says breaking down stereotypes around employing whaikaha employees requires commitment at a leadership and organisational level.

“Accommodating the needs of a disabled employee is often left in the ‘too-hard basket’ by industry leaders and employers in all sectors, which is underscored by the employment rate for disabled people being around 50% less than for people who are non-disabled.

“Our new research found representation is another major factor in encouraging under-represented groups to enter tech.

“Senior staff who are open about their own experiences as disabled or neurodivergent will help pave the way for others.”

Toi Mai research report Tāngata Whaikaha in Tech and advice for educators, recruiters and employers are available here: https://buff.ly/40KSQW8

Development of accessible formats of the Tāngata Whaikaha in Tech report is also underway. Please contact Toi Mai by email [email protected] to register your interest in being notified of when the accessible formats are available.