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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.

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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.

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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Vehicle and machinery micro-credentials open to non-primary sector

14 November 2025

Primary ITO vehicle and chainsaw micro-credentials are now available for self-employed owner-operators and people working in industries not related to the primary sector.

YHOTY25 winner Jake Linklater scaled e1762465239773 800x500 (002)
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.

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Sector Manager reflects on 25 years of learner growth and achievement

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.

Phone in Tractor photo
Phone app trialled for tractor micro-credential assessment

21 July 2025

A mobile phone app has been trialled to record practical evidence of learners completing the Primary ITO tractor micro-credential, as technology presents new opportunities for enhancing assessment practices.

Pieter with the Dairy Trainee of the Year Award and trophy
Primary ITO learner wins top dairy industry award

23 May 2025

Eighteen-year-old Pieter Van Beek was delighted to win the Dairy Trainee of the Year Award in front of 620 people at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Tauranga on 10 May.