News

18 May 2026

Twenty-six students spent a week of their school holidays soaking up farm life and learning about career pathways during the annual Primary ITO Trades Academy camp.

6 May 2026

From milking cows on his grandad’s farm in England to empowering people to grow their skills and careers in New Zealand’s primary sector, Primary ITO's Simon Croom is passionate about people.  

8 April 2026

From Oamaru to customers across New Zealand and offshore, Milligans Food Group manufactures a wide range of dairy and non-dairy products with skilled staff trained through Primary ITO.

11 March 2026

Working in the rural pest sector? Grow your capability with Primary ITO’s industry recognised, on-the-job training, giving you the skills to make a real impact on New Zealand’s biosecurity and contribute to a healthier rural environment.

19 February 2026

Industry employers have an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of work-based learning in the food and fibre industry over the next few months.

2 December 2025

After fifty years in horticulture and vocational education, Primary ITO Training Adviser Dom ‘the dominator’ Steenstra is retiring on 5 December to pursue retirement, or possibly a new career pathway.

15 October 2025

This Rural Women’s Day, we turn the spotlight on Primary ITO executive director, Andrea Leslie.

3 September 2025

A passion for adult education has driven Primary ITO sector manager Tanya Ingram on a path of professional development while supporting learners and industry over two decades with the organisation.

29 July 2025

From hands-on in the vineyard, to management and a transition to supporting learners and employers undertaking on-job training, Primary ITO Sector Manager Jimmy Crockett brings a wealth of experience to the role.

3 July 2025

With a decade of dairy manufacturing experience under his belt, Primary ITO sector manager Alwyn Redhead is passionate about supporting the industry to develop and upskill its workforce.