News

7 August 2025
Experienced arborist Ben Inkster is taking his career to new heights after completing the New Zealand Certificate in Arboriculture – Technical Operations strand (Level 5), through Primary ITO.

1 August 2025
Following the success of its pilot in Pukekohe, Primary ITO’s Horticulture Cadetship Programme is now available to growers in the Bay of Plenty.

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.

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.

15 July 2025
Curiosity and a desire to grow her knowledge led to vineyard operator Eilish Herrick signing up to a Primary ITO apprenticeship in Horticulture Production – specialising in wine growing.

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.

23 June 2025
Primary ITO-qualified amenity horticulture apprentice River Foster gets to “explore the whole city through its gardens” in his role with the Wellington City Council parks team.

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.

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.

19 May 2025
Primary ITO has launched a horticulture cadetship pilot in Pukekohe that will provide extra support to learners and free up employers to spend more time on their businesses.