News

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.

26 June 2025

The shock was evident on the face of Coby Warmington as he was announced the winner of the 2025 Young Māori Farmer Award for Sheep and Beef at the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy, taking the opportunity to thank the award sponsors including Primary ITO.

28 May 2025

Growing trusted relationships with industry is a vital part of the role for Primary ITO Sector Manager Mark Orr, who joined the team 17 years ago after running his own successful landscaping business.