Digital technology is New Zealand’s third largest export and one of its fastest growing sectors, with productivity over 20% higher than the general economy and a highly skilled domestic workforce needed to support this growth.
The sector needs approximately a further 20,000 workers by 2030 based on current growth trends.
Toi Mai insights highlight that tapping into our diverse populations can grow the talent pool, fill skill gaps and contribute to a more innovative, more mature and more resilient technology sector.
Historically, New Zealand’s technology workforce has been mainly male, of European or Asian descent, and non-disabled.
However, tāngata whaikaha (disabled people) have a role to play here, not only by contributing to a better equipped workforce; greater participation of tāngata whaikaha can lead to increased business success while improving economic outcomes for whaikaha households.
Following on from prior desktop research into the tech workforce, Tāngata Whaikaha in Tech (released January 2025) asks: how can we better unlock the diverse talent in the whaikaha community through improvements in tech education, recruitment and the workplace?
Find the full report and summary below, as well as a large print alternative format (produced in-house).
Major systemic change is required in vocational education coordination, funding and provision if New Zealand is to realise the potential of its digital technology industry.
This is the finding of Toi Mai Workforce Development Council’s first workforce development plan for Toi Whānui, Te Wao Toi Whānui (released 2024).
You can watch the introductory video about the report here, as well as a selection of kōrero on the future of tech from industry leaders.
Paula Cooper on tech aspirations
Will Fleming on the future of tech
Jenny Kempster on diversity in tech
Released December 2023, Barriers to diversity in the Aotearoa tech sector highlights the many complex barriers to inclusion that have been holding tāngata whaikaha, in particular, back from entering the tech sector’s workforce.
This research builds on the findings contained in two 2022 reports from Toi Mai into the ‘Leaky Pipeline’ – the barriers to access for young women in the creative technology (Createch) sector.
Download a printable version of the full report here.
Download a word version of the full report here.
Alternative formats are available below, as provided by Blind Low Vision NZ, People First NZ and Deaf Aotearoa.
Click play below to watch the YouTube video of the report’s NZSL translation, or click here to open it in a new tab.
Toi Mai develops and maintains skills standards, micro-credentials and qualifications for the digital technology sector. See every relevant qualification, including new qualifications and those under review.
We have revised a suite of the professionally aligned IT qualifications to reflect the work of an advisory group and writing groups composed of subject matter experts. These groups met regularly to review and recommend changes to the suite. The drafts also incorporate feedback from tertiary providers delivering IT programmes. This review has now been completed and the updated qualifications are with NZQA for approval: IT qualifications review
