Skills & Workforce Development
Wairarapa’s future relies on a skilled, adaptable workforce, and Skill Wairarapa is the region’s collaborative effort to build talent, strengthen pathways, and meet the evolving needs of our economy.
Why Skills & Workforce Development Matters
A strong, skilled local workforce is the backbone of a thriving regional economy. In Wairarapa, our people drive productivity across farms, factories, healthcare, tourism, and innovation. But with a changing population, evolving industries, and rising skill demands, we need to invest in our people - ensuring they’re equipped to succeed now and in the future.
That’s where Skill Wairarapa comes in. Supported by the WEDS Project Management Office (PMO), Skill Wairarapa brings together employers, educators, iwi, and community leaders to implement the Wairarapa Skills and Workforce Action Plan - a living plan to grow capability, improve pathways, and future-proof the region’s talent pipeline.
Current Initiatives in Delivery
Several region-wide initiatives are underway to strengthen skills, improve retention, and increase local employment opportunities:
Attract, Connect, Stay – Healthcare Workforce Programme
Delivered by Tū Hauoranga Trust, this innovative programme helps recruit and retain healthcare workers in Wairarapa.
WaiHost – Service Training Programme
In partnership with Business Wairarapa, this training builds frontline service capability across customer-facing roles.
Digital Fluency Programme
Coordinated by Waitech Trust, a digital fluency programme is being rolled out across local secondary schools to assess students digital skills to prepare for future local roles.
Pakihi Māori Business Capability
Through Māori in Business Wairarapa, regular events are strengthening connections and capability for local Māori enterprises.
Youth Pathways
Events and workplace experiences are connecting students and educators with local employers to highlight job and training opportunities within Wairarapa.
Completed and Pilot Initiatives
Foundational programmes have helped build momentum and set the stage for ongoing delivery:
Good2Great Leadership Programme in 2021-22 and 2023
Two programmes were delivered in partnership with Business Wairarapa and MPI to build strong team cultures and leadership capability in primary sector businesses.
Digital Skills and Technology Pathways in 2022
Coordinated by Waitech Trust, this has included career roadshows, centralised events, and E-Sport competitions for local schools.
Courageous Leader Series in 2024-25
Delivered by Tū Hauoranga Trust, the programme attracted participants from across the health and community sectors, offering practical insights into workforce development, systems thinking, and values-driven leadership. Several sessions sparked lasting collaborations and connected participants with inspirational regional leaders. The initiative helped build a network of informed, capable leaders committed to improving wellbeing and workplace outcomes across Wairarapa.
Outcomes for Wairarapa
Short-Term Outcomes
- Stronger community and sector engagement: Local organisations, schools, and iwi are increasingly involved in shaping and delivering workforce initiatives, reflecting demand for coordinated, regional solutions.
- Increased awareness of local pathways: Youth and those who influence them are gaining clearer insights into education, training, and employment opportunities across Wairarapa.
- Targeted digital capability support: Regional partners have scoped digital skill-building initiatives, ensuring future readiness for both students and small businesses.
- Foundation for collaborative leadership: Programme participants across sectors are developing shared values, language, and tools to lead with purpose and resilience.
Long-Term Outcomes
- A more resilient, future-ready workforce: Local skills development is increasingly aligned with employer needs, helping Wairarapa adapt to economic, technological, and social change.
- Improved youth retention and employment: Continued engagement between schools and industries is helping reduce youth outmigration and build local pipelines.
- A coordinated approach to recruitment and retention: The 'Attract, Connect, Stay' framework provides a community-driven model that can be adapted across sectors.
- Greater regional reputation and investment readiness: As a result of sustained workforce coordination, Wairarapa becomes a more attractive place to live, work, and invest.
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Photo by Jack Austin
Delivery Partners
This work is supported through collaboration between community, iwi, education, and industry:
Business Wairarapa | Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) | WellingtonNZ (via the REDP) | Local landowners, growers, and producers | Wairarapa tourism and economic development stakeholders
Learn more
Links to relevant plans/strategies:
Wellington Regional Economic Development Plan (REDP) | Business Wairarapa | MPI – Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund
Other priority areas
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