This follows engagement with Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service which identified a gap for a qualification which could provide a stepping-stone for employees wishing to move from technically focused roles into supervision and leadership. The new qualification will sit between the current level 4 and level 6 offerings in the NZQA framework.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to create a fit-for-purpose qualification which will fill a gap identified by the Forestry sector and contribute toward the building of future Forestry leaders.” Craig Langdon, General Manager Qualifications and Standards, Muka Tangata Workforce Development Council.  Mr Langdon says having a robust qualification at Level 5 in Forestry will enable long-term learner success and career progression.  Muka Tangata is leading the consultation, design and development of a new qualification that will fulfil the requirements.

The new Level 5 qualification could include leadership and team building, health and safety, computer literacy, Te Ao Māori, forest management, the forestry value chain, new innovations in technologies for forestry and land use classification/land use assessment. In addition, the focus of the design will be to facilitate work-based learning, online and bite sized learning as much as possible. 

The objective of the review and the proposed qualification solution is to ensure that the forestry qualification suite and delivery programmes are fit for purpose for the industry and meet regulatory requirements. A strong New Zealand Qualification suite is key to supporting high standards of conduct and professionalism across the industry and plays an important role in lifting public confidence in forestry professionals.