Tīhema | December 2025

This is the last issue of the Toi Mai Pānui, as we prepare to bid farewell to a collective kaupapa and reflect on how far we have come since the Workforce Development Councils were established in October 2021. We also feature the latest on the vocational education and training (VET) changes, qualifications development and an overview of our final projects and publications.

Toi Mai is closing its offices for Christmas on 19 December and will officially be disestablished on 31 December as a result of the Government’s reform of the VET system. Contact details for the new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will be available by the end of December.

From the Toi Mai Board, senior leadership and kaimahi, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to our industries, providers, learners and government agency partners for your endorsement of our mahi over the past four years.

It was not easy building a new workforce development council from scratch and servicing many industries that were new to vocational education.

The VET system Toi Mai encountered in 2021 had scant understanding of the skills and workforce needs of most of our cultural, creative, recreation and tech industries. There was poor data coverage and invisibility of many creative occupations, industries and pathways. Neither Ngā Toi Māori nor game development were officially recognised as an industry or an occupation.

Most of our industries did not have apprenticeships. The vocational education system was not geared up to meet the work-based learning needs of the gig-based, self-employed workforces that dominate our sectors.

Farewell video

Watch a farewell message to our stakeholders from Dr Claire Robinson and Tama Kirkiri.

VET reforms

Orders in Council and ISB coverage

The Government has formally established the eight new ISBs with legislation coming into effect on 1 January 2026.

The creative, cultural, recreation and technology sectors that are currently covered by Toi Mai have been allocated to four ISBs:

• Services ISB
• Electrotechnology and Information Technology ISB
• Food and Fibre ISB
• Construction and Specialist Trades ISB

Next steps for the ISBs

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) provided a timeline of when the ISBs will start to deliver its services and support from 1 January 2026.

Click on the button below to find links to the four respective Orders in Council, ISB configuration and timeline of what you can expect from the ISBs and when.

Ministerial appointments

Earlier this month, Ministerial appointments were announced for the eight new ISBs, with appointees commencing their roles immediately.

Pūrongo ā-Tau | Annual Report

Toi Mai has published its final full Annual Report. 

2024–25 was both a satisfying and a difficult year as we navigated the challenges of maintaining a high level of service to our industries while preparing for disestablishment as a result of the Government’s VET reforms.

Advice to TEC

Toi Mai submitted its last investment advice to the TEC to enhance vocational education and training to meet industry needs.

This is in accordance with the functions of the Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) set out in sections 366 (j) and 411 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

The power of podcasting

We recently sat down with podcast expert and Founder of Campfire Studios, Will Fleming to discuss his collaboration with Toi Mai to develop a podcasting skill standard that is fit for purpose and accessible for all learners.

Will also shares how podcasting is so much more than just a conversation. Check out the video by clicking on the button below and prepare to be inspired!

Sport and recreation

Toi Mai has submitted the sport and recreation review documents to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). The review outcome will be published in 2026 by the new Services ISB.

Toi Mai has also worked with stakeholders on the development of a new sport and recreation qualification, New Zealand Certificate in Active Recreation (Level 4) with strands in Facility Operations and Programme Delivery, 60 credits.

Te Ao Tūroa

The review of Te Ao Tūroa unit standards has recently been completed. These standards have been updated to increase practical components, remove barriers, and ensure the focus is on a te ao Māori world view of te ao tūroa.

Te ao tūroa will appeal to any provider or learner wanting to explore the outdoors through a te ao Māori lens.

Report details the success of Kahurangi Toi Ātea

Marking the end of a successful screen pilot programme that included paid training on the Holy Days film set in Ōtautahi, a final report outlining the aspects of the programme and its results is available to download on the Toi Mai website.

Click on the button below for more information.

Digital skills survey outcome

In conjunction with NZTech, Toi Mai conducted a digital skills survey.

There were 67 responses in total ranging from individuals and organisations, including subject matter experts through to large multinational companies with a presence in New Zealand, and government organisations.

Click on the button below to read the high-level results from this year's survey.

Lifting incomes for performing artists case study

Following the release of Kia Mura! the workforce development plan for the performing arts sector, Toi Mai tested assumptions on the financial challenges performing artists in Aotearoa face via a cross-agency wānanga in November 2024. 

The purpose of the wānanga was to explore how government policy and other levers could be employed to lift incomes for performing artists in Aotearoa.

Final workforce development plans (WDPs)

Final versions of the Toi Mai Libraries & Archives WDP and Māori & Pacific Conservators & Curators WDP, and feedback summaries have been published on our website.

Although Toi Mai won’t be here post-31 December 2025, all the great information, insights and research we’ve completed over the past four years will be available on our website to read and download for the next two years.

Check out our peka pages for all the news and publications by industry.

This includes our suite of nine workforce development plans and an industry development plan. These plans were developed following extensive stakeholder engagement, research, and include actions and recommendations to meet future industry workforce needs.