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Sarah Moorhouse - Earthworks
Building a career in landscape construction

2 March 2026

Primary ITO qualified landscaper Sarah Moorhouse loves working with the team at New Concept Landscaping to create attractive outdoor spaces that clients delight in.

Sheep, Beef
Shaping the future of work-based learning

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.

Ben Carter profile shot
Growing knowledge for a future in pork production

15 January 2026

North Otago pig farmer Ben Carter is one of the first graduates to complete the refreshed Primary ITO Pork Production training programme.

Dom Steenstra
Dom signs off after fifty-year career in horticulture

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.

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Gateway students kick-start their farming careers in Northland

26 November 2025

In a small rural community in North Hokianga, school students are learning practical skills and gaining valuable farming experience through the Primary ITO Gateway programme.

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Growing the next generation of skills on Canterbury farm

19 November 2025

On the rolling Canterbury plains near Methven, the third and fourth generation of the Molloy family are working the land and growing the knowledge of their dairy farm staff with Primary ITO.

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Young Horticulturalist competition celebrates up and coming talent

13 November 2025

Primary ITO learners and graduates featured strongly at the 2025 Young Horticulturalist of the Year Competition in Auckland on 6 November, with Canterbury nursery manager Jake Linklater winning the supreme title.

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Celebrating Rural Women’s Day: Andrea Leslie’s Journey of Education and Impact

15 October 2025

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

Eilish O'niell
Growing farm business expertise to support future goals

17 September 2025

Former farm cadet Eilish O’Neill is on a mission towards starting her own farming business, adding to her existing knowledge with the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Production Management (Level 5), through Primary ITO.

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Dairy farmer embraces training opportunities in New Zealand

20 August 2025

From the family farm in India to seeking better life opportunities in New Zealand, Primary ITO learner Satbeer Sandhu has embraced a love of learning and passion for dairy farming to grow his career.