Oketopa | October 2025

In this month's pānui we feature plenty of Toi Mai news including the release of a new report which recognises the value Kaihanga Toi Māori working in the built environment bring to projects, and support for two work-based pilot programmes with paid internships.

Final ISB configuration consultation

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) recently carried out a short targeted consultation on the proposed Orders in Council for each Industry Skills Board (ISB), focusing primarily on peak representative within industry.

TEC had previously said this would be a formal public consultation, including amongst other things the final configuration of the ISBs and which industries they would cover.

They said the change in approach reflects the extensive engagement that has already taken place, including with the Workforce Development Councils.

VET Amendment Bill

The Government’s Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill has passed into law with no substantial changes, and the concerns raised in our submission and many others largely not addressed. The Bill will see the six Workforce Development Councils replaced with eight new Industry Skills Boards from 1 January 2026.

Kaihanga Toi Māori deserve more than koha

Our new report aims to help Kaihanga Toi Māori working in the built environment know what they should be paid, recognising the economic and cultural value they bring to projects such as public sculptures and buildings like libraries.

He Toi Whakairo, He Mana Tangata – Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity – Best practice for Toi Māori within the built environment covers tikanga Toi Māori / engagement, kaitiakitanga / guardianship and utu / remuneration, benchmarking Kaihanga Toi Māori pay against industry architectural remuneration rates.

Watch Toi Mai Poumatua Tama Kirikiri and Tohunga Toi Māori and report consultant Professor Ngataiharuru Taepa discuss why this report is vital reading for commissioning agencies such as councils and Kaihanga Toi Māori.

Museum Practice

In collaboration with Auckland Museum and Service IQ, we have recently drafted some proposed changes to New Zealand Certificate in Museum Practice (Level 4).

We now invite your feedback to ensure the qualification  reflects current and emerging needs within New Zealand's GLAM sector, and support pathways for both museum operations and kaupapa Māori-based conservation practice.

Consultation closes 21 November 2025.

Outdoor First Aid

The Outdoor First Aid unit standard has had a refresh! The old standard (424) is expiring at the end of 2026. In its place skill standard 40756 has been listed to better reflect the gap between the first aid suite of standards and management of emergency situations in the outdoors. 

Read more if you are a provider who is planning to assess against the standard in the new year.

IT professional pathways

We have completed a review of our suite of qualifications covering IT professional pathways and more general digital skills, guided by the Te Wao Toi Whānui workforce development plan for Enabling Technologies. The review process for all qualifications involved extensive consultation with providers and industry stakeholders.

Education Outside the Classroom

NZQA has approved two new Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) micro-credentials. The Level 6 EOTC Coordination micro-credential is designed for individuals working in or aspiring to EOTC coordination roles within schools or other organisations.

 
The Level 7 EOTC Teacher in Charge micro-credential is designed for individuals working in or aspiring to EOTC leadership roles.

New Conservation quals

Watch our video to learn about new conservation qualifications. These Level 2, 3 and 4 micro-credentials and skill standards are designed for people currently working in conservation or who are interested in entering this important sector.

The new Level 3 Conservation micro-credentials and skill standards have been approved and will be available on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) website on 11 November.

Level 2 has been listed on the NZQA website, and we expect Level 4 will be approved and listed in about a month.

Sport and recreation

We're continuing our review of sport and recreation working towards new skill standards for Level 3 coaching and officiating. Information on the proposed Level 4 Active Recreation qualification and skill standards for programmes and facility operations will be available on our website soon. Email qualifications@toimai.nz if you want to be consulted on the proposed changes.

Creative qualifications

NZQA has approved two new creative qualifications. The Level 4 NZ Certificate in Creative Promotion (60 credits) will give individuals the foundational skills required to plan, develop and implement the promotion for a creative product in areas such as performing arts and gaming.

The Level 5 Diploma in Creative Production (120 credits) provides the skills and knowledge to develop creative, strategic, technical and business capabilities to resource, plan, promote and deliver creative projects across diverse sectors.

Māori Data Analytics

We are seeking feedback on a new Māori Data Analytics micro-credential, designed to strengthen Māori capability in data literacy and communication. Grounded in the Poipoia Framework by Auraki Group, this course blends Tirohanga Māori (Māori perspectives) with applied data and writing skills to build both cultural grounding and technical confidence. Consultation closes 15 November 2025.

New work-based training pilots

Toi Mai has spent the past four years developing ways to facilitate work-based learning for the industries we cover within the constraints of the current VET system. We are delighted to get two new pilot programmes across the line.