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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.

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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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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From great to even better – record learner satisfaction rate for Primary ITO

11 March 2025

Ninety-four percent of Primary ITO learners are satisfied with their experience of training with us, according to results from the most recent learner experience survey in late 2024.

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Farmer reflects on the value of training a decade on

28 January 2025

Ten years after dairy farmer Gavin Longstaff completed his Primary ITO Level 4 training, he caught up with local farmer and Primary ITO Sector Manager Marianne Awburn at a local Brunch on Us event run by Rural Support.

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Te Wiki o te Reo - Māori Language Week

18 September 2024

E nga reo, e ngā mana, tēnā koutou kia ora anō tatou. Haere tonu ngā mihi ki ngā ringa raupā o te whenua me te wai me te whakaaro nui ki te hunga kua riro atu ki te pō, moe mai, e oki.

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International Literacy Day 8 September 2024

6 September 2024

E kore e mutunga tēnei mea ko te ako – Learning is never-ending. By Mel Weston, Primary ITO Learning Support Manager 

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Great support from learners for Primary ITO training

8 August 2024

More than 90 percent of Primary ITO learners are satisfied with their experience of training with us, according to results from a recent learner experience survey.  

Volunteer Week v2
Mentoring inspires trainees for learner success

23 June 2022

Cambridge Dairy Farmer and mentor Chante Crabb loves helping others develop a passion for working in agriculture and achieving their goals.

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Mentors ignite the spark for trainee success

10 May 2021

Canterbury dairy farmer and mentor Wendy Main loves helping others to develop a passion for working in agriculture and achieve their goals.