Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni with RSLG members at the launch.

The plan, developed by Te Purunga ki Te Raki – Taitokerau Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG), is already making an impact in the region.  RSLG advice on regional workforce needs fed into a funding increase for the Te Pūkenga NorthTec nursing programme, with a boost in students expected from 2023-24. And Te Pūkenga NorthTec, the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Te Whatu Ora and others are working towards introducing new training in podiatry, oral health, occupational health and mental health.

The RSLG worked closely with regional stakeholders and other members of the vocational education and training community to shape its plan, including Te Pūkenga and the Toitū te Waiora Workforce Development Council. Opportunities to expand the training available to existing and potential healthcare workers emerged from this broad kōrero.  "The workforce plan and increased investment has only been possible due to collaboration among all parties and interests,” said Toa Faneva, Co-chair of Te Purunga ki Te Raki. “A skilled workforce will bring prosperity and wellness across our region, but it is the relationships we build that are one of our most powerful and precious taonga.”  The RSLG’s name was gifted by Ngāti Hine Secretary-General Pita Tipene, and draws on the concept of the all-important puru, the cork in the hull of a waka.