RSLGs are independent advisory groups charged by the Government with finding better ways to meet future regional skills and workforce needs and leading coordinated labour market planning.

Much of RSLGs’ mahi over the past year has therefore been in talking to their communities to understand these needs. This includes workers, iwi/Māori, training providers, employers, community groups, economic development agencies and others active in the labour market.

A key aspect of Regional Workforce Plan (RWP) development has also been working with Workforce Development Councils, another important part of the RoVE system, so the entities’ respective plans reflect both industry and regional perspectives.

RSLGs have gained a deep understanding of labour market and skills priorities and the challenges regions face. RWPs include actions to overcome these challenges. The end goal is a skilled, resilient regional workforce matched to regional needs and able to adapt when those needs change.

The groups regularly share their knowledge through Local Insights Reports (LIRs). The 73 LIRs published on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website over the past 12 months provide on-the-ground knowledge on workforce issues affecting regions.

Some RSLG-led korero has sparked immediate action, as in Marlborough where schools and aged resident care facilities have connected to offer students work experience. In other cases, different groups have come together for the first time and found common ground.

RWPs will be released mid-year and then further refined and developed as RSLGs work with national and local partners to implement the plans, which will be refreshed annually.