Regional Labour Market Overview

prepared for the Tai Tokerau interim regional skills leadership group

by the MBIE secretariat

Version 1 as at 29 Sept 2021

1: COVID-19 impact on key demographic groups

COVID-19 amplified issues that already existed in Tai Tokerau• Poor digital connectivity in some parts of the region further marginalised

some communities - smaller communities were disproportionately affected. Unemployment has risen more in the Far North district during the year to March 2021 than in (each of) the Whangarei and Kaipara districts.

• Groups who were already under-represented in the more stable job categories were adversely affected, putting them at greater risk in uncertain financial times

Māori, youth and women adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic• Māori in Tai Tokerau were more likely to be negatively impacted by COVID-19,

particularly rangatahi Māori. • Māori on MSD main benefits in the Northland Regional Council increased

from 11,049 in March 2020 to 12,570 in March 2021, an increase of over 13 percent.

• This figure has since reduced to 12,180 in June 2021.• People with whānau care responsibilities who are unavailable to work full-

time were also negatively impacted due to contraction in industries offering more part time work.

• There was a disproportionate impact on women in the region due to their over-representation in industries more impacted by COVID-19, including; retail, tourism and hospitality.

• Women on MSD main benefits in the Northland Regional Council increased from 9,798 in March 2020 to 11,061 in March 2021, an increase of over 12 percent.

• This figure has since reduced to 10,896 in June 2021.• Youth in the region also bore a heavy toll as a result of the pandemic.

Young people aged 18-24 on MSD main benefits in the Whangarei District Council increased from 2,730 in March 2020 to 3,405 in March 2021, an increase of over 24 percent.

• As Māori in the region have a much younger age profile than the total population, this impact was more greatly felt by Māori in Tai Tokerau. The number of young persons (18-24 years) on MSD main benefits has since reduced to 3,198 in June 2021 – still above pre-pandemic levels. Definitions

MSD main benefits: include jobseeker and sole parent support, supported living payment, and 'other' categories.

ResourcesMSD quarterly benefits fact sheets – June 2021Quarterly Economic Monitor – Northland Region, March 2021 (hosted by infometrics)

Source: Infometrics, QEM. Accessed July 2021.

Source: Infometrics, QEM. Accessed July 2021.

2: COVID-19 impact on key industries and sectors

COVID-19 impact -The Tai Tokerau economy has not been as adversely affected by Covid-19 as initial forecasts predicted. Regions such as Northland with a strong primary industry base have been some of the strongest performing regions during the pandemic, benefitting from recently elevated commodity prices.

Farmers in the region have enjoyed a 25 percent increase in the milk price since the beginning of the year as a result of strong economic growth in China. Stronger demand in China for logs and higher export prices will have been good for forestry owners – log prices have jumped 20 percent over the six months to June 2021.

The region's horticulture sector has performed well, with increasing kiwifruit exports and growers benefitting from higher returns. The composition of the labour force is changing as there are fewer international workers and new approaches have been required to utilise more local workers. Worker shortages remain a concern for some growers. Food production was seen as an essential service during lockdowns, limiting the Covid-19 impact in this sector.

Domestic visitors have sustained many tourism operatorsand the impact from border closures has been substantially offset. Total tourism expenditure in the Northland Region increased by 0.2% in the year to March 2021. By district, there was an increase of 3.5% in Kaipara, a decrease of 1.0% in the Far North and no change in Whangarei. This compares with a 16.6 percent reduction in total tourism expenditure for New Zealand as a whole (Source: Infometrics). The shortage of skilled labour in this industry was amplified by COVID-19 with a reduction in international workers, such as those on working holiday visas.

Residential construction activity has been boosted by rising building consents, currently running at record levels, given a shortage of housing for the region’s growing population.

DefinitionsWorkforce Information Platform: The Workforce Information Platform (WIP) is a forecasting tool that displays national, regional gaps, and surpluses within the construction and infrastructure labour market. Work on this tool has been led by BCITO.

ResourcesWorkforce information Platform: Northland RegionQuarterly Economic Monitor – Northland Region, March 2021 (hosted by infometrics) Available hereRegional Roundup, Westpac NZ - June 2021; January 2021

The strong economic performance in the region has contributed to a rise in demand for workers, leading to falling unemployment in Tai Tokerau.

This has also supported consumer spending with retail sales up on the same time last year (June 2020).

Outlook (Source: Westpac)Strong economic growth is forecast for the Tai Tokerau region over the next year, from June 2021.- The region's sheep, beef and dairy farmers stand to benefit

from rising farm-gate prices, particularly as key export markets (US, UK and Europe) begin to open following COVID-19 vaccine roll outs, and people dine out more.

- Growers in the horticulture sector too are likely to keep benefitting from strong demand in key export markets.

- The forestry sector is set to benefit from China's fast recovery –expected to push log prices higher.

- Construction activity is likely to remain strong across most regions in New Zealand, including Tai Tokerau, given the full pipeline of work through to 2022 (and beyond).

- Increased demand for labour in the region, underpinned by a strong economic performance, should flow into spending –positive for the retail sector.

Source: Westpac. Accessed July 2021.

Source: Westpac. Accessed July 2021.

Source: BCITO WIP. Accessed July 2021.

Tai Tokerau has the lowest GDP per capita nationally • Tai Tokerau has the lowest regional productivity (measured as GDP

per capita) at almost $43K for year ended March 2020.• GDP in the Northland Region was provisionally up 0.7% for the year

to March 2021 compared to a year earlier. Growth was lower in the Far North and Whangarei Districts (-0.2% and 0.4% respectively) and higher in the Kaipara District (4.0%)

Qualifications• At the 2018 census, 23.1 percent of the population aged 15 years or

over in Tai Tokerau had no formal qualification. This figure is reducing over time, down from 31.9 percent at the 2006 census. 9.6 percent held a bachelor degree or level 7 qualification in 2018, up from 6.6 percent at 2006 census.

Warm climate attracting retirees, with growing - but smaller - Māori population• In 2020, 3.8 percent of the New Zealand population, or 194,600 people lived in Tai Tokerau.• The average age in Tai Tokerau is 42.6 years, compared to the New Zealand average of 37 years.• Māori are 36 percent of the population at the 2018 census, compared with 16.7 percent of the NZ

population. The age distribution of Māori in Tai Tokerau is much younger than the general population, with the Māori average age being 27.2 years.

• The region has a slightly higher proportion (20.3%) of young people (0-14) than nationally (19.0%) and a higher proportion (20.2%) of people 65 years and older than NZ as a whole(15.6%) (2020, Infometrics).

• The dependency ratio (the number of persons outside the working age as a proportion of the number of persons of working age (15-64 years) is high in Tai Tokerau – 64.8 percent versus 50.3 percent for NZ.

• Population growth in Northland Region averaged 2.5% pa over the last 5 years, which is slightly higher than 2.0% pa across New Zealand (Source: Infometrics)

Key industries in Tai Tokerau• The 5 biggest contributors to economic growth in Tai

Tokerau between 2010 and 2020 were manufacturing; construction; retail trade; agriculture, forestry and fishing; and health care and social assistance.

• The 5 industries that created the most jobs between 2010 and 2020 were construction; health care and social assistance; public administration and safety; education and training; and manufacturing.

• Among broad categories, manufacturing was the largest contributor to GDP in 2020 – 15.7 percent of total.

• A large proportion of the workforce are self-employed –23.5 percent in 2020. (Source: Infometrics)

Tai Tokerau’s sub-regions are economically distinctive• Health care and social assistance made up 20 percent of the Whangarei

job market in 2020.• Agriculture, forestry and fishing made up 21 percent of the Kaipara job

market in 2020, compared to 8 percent for Tai Tokerau.• Retail trade was the largest contributor to jobs in the Far North District

in 2020, at 12 percent of filled jobs.

March 2021 employment statistics (HLFS)• There are 3,600 youth (aged 15-24) in Tai Tokerau not in education, employment

or training (NEET). The NEET rate in March 2021 was 19.7 percent (up 0.9 pp on March 2020), vs 13.1 percent for NZ.

• The labour force participation rate is 67.3 percent.• The unemployment rate was 5.4 percent (vs. 4.7 percent nationally).• Tai Tokerau had a 12.9 percent underutilisation rate in the March 2021 quarter.

For women it was 14.8 percent (NZ 14.7%) and men 11.2 percent (NZ 10.1%).• Employment for residents living in the Northland Region was up 0.5% for the year

to March 2021 compared to a year earlier. Growth was higher than in New Zealand (-0.2%). (Source: Infometrics)

(Note: figures should be taken with caution. Regional labour market statistics can have large sampling errors)

SeasonalitySeasonality is a feature of the horticulture industry in Tai Tokerau, however; the industry is expanding in the region, with diversification of crops and increased planting. This is creating more interlocking seasons which will offer more opportunities for local workers. Multi-employer contracts are currently being trialed.

Source: Infometrics, QEM. Accessed July 2021.

Source: Infometrics. Accessed July 2021.

3: Economic and labour market profile

DefinitionsUnemployed: Unemployed persons are those in the working-age population who were without a paid job, available for work and had either actively sought work in the past four weeks ending with the reference week, or had a new job to start within 4 weeks.Underutilisation: the sum of those unemployed, underemployed, who are not actively seeking but are available and are wanting a job, and people who are actively seeking but not currently available, but will be available in the next four weeks. Underutilisation is a useful measure of the "slack" in the labour market.Household Labour Force Survey: The HLFS is a national sample survey undertaken by Stats NZ. It is primarily designed for national estimates. The national sample contains about 15,000 private households and about 30,000 individuals each quarter.NEET rate: the proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) who are not in education, employment or training.ResourcesQuarterly Economic Monitor – Northland Region, March 2021 (hosted by infometrics)Stats NZ Place summaries: NorthlandStats NZ Estimated resident population: As at 30 June 2018Stats NZ Regional gross domestic product: Year ended March 2020

Task 4: Secondary and tertiary education profile

DefinitionsNgā Kete: Ngā Kete is the secure access portal to the Tertiary Education Commission's (TEC's) information products.ResourcesEducation Counts region summary: Northland Region , June 2021Education Counts Indicators

Secondary education• A lower proportion of students in Tai Tokerau leave secondary school with NCEA level three

or above relative to the New Zealand population; 46.9 percent versus 59.1 percent, respectively, in 2020. For Māori students in Tai Tokerau this proportion was lower at 37.6 percent in 2020, up from 28.6 percent in 2019. This has implications for whether students will pursue further study or not.

• Students in Tai Tokerau are more likely to leave school before their 17th birthday, relative to New Zealand as a whole. Only 67.8 percent of Māori students remained in school until their 17th birthday in 2020, compared with 74 percent for Tai Tokerau as a whole.

• Differences in school leaver attainment can be observed between districts in Tai Tokerau –Whangarei has the highest attainment of university entrance (31 percent) while the Far North has the lowest (22 percent).

• Females in Tai Tokerau are more likely to leave school with NCEA Level 3 than males; 51.8 percent versus 41.9 percent, respectively, in 2020.

Tertiary education in Tai Tokerau• Northtec is the largest tertiary education provider in Tai Tokerau with

Northland campuses in Dargaville, Kaikohe, Kerikeri, Whangarei and Kaitaia. Northtec offers over 100 fields of study, however; each campus offers a different range of courses. Most students who study in Tai Tokerau enroll with Northtec.

• 81 percent of school leavers between 2015 and 2019 in Tai Tokerau entered further education. Of these, 46 percent of all students enrolled with a Level 3 qualification attained at secondary school.

• Māori students were more likely to enroll in mixed field courses than the population as a whole – 42 percent versus 38 percent, respectively.

• 9.5 percent of all students enrolled in Engineering and related technologies courses between 2015 and 2019, while only 8 percent of Māori students did (Source: Ngā Kete). Importantly, there has been increasing demand in Tai Tokerau for people holding qualifications in this broad field of study.

• As at March 2021, 420 students were enrolled in the region to study horticulture – 4.6 percent of all students studying horticulture nationally.

• In 2019, school leavers in their first year after leaving in the Tai Tokerau region were much less likely to enroll in Bachelors level qualifications and above; 18.1 percent versus 31.9 percent nationally.

Source: Education Counts. Accessed July 2021.

Source: Education Counts. Accessed July 2021.

Source: Education Counts. Accessed July 2021.

Field of study for Tai Tokerau school leavers, 2015 – 2019.

Source: Ngā Kete. Accessed May 2021

5: Immigration and migration profile

DefinitionsNatural increase: the difference between the numbers of births and deaths in a population.

ResourcesINZ Trends Report: 2016 Regional Migration trendsStats NZ: Subnational population estimates: As at 30 June 2020Stats NZ place summaries: Northland Region

Immigration has increased skill levels and closed capacity gaps• 16.1 percent of the Northland population were born overseas according to Census 2018.• Just over 4 percent of jobs in the region were held by temporary migrants in 2019. This

was at the lower end relative to most other regions in New Zealand.• Four of the top five job types for employer-assisted work visas issued for Tai Tokerau in

2019 were related to the restaurant and café sub-sectors.Covid-19 has dramatically reduced international arrivals into the country• COVID-19 led to New Zealand closing its borders to foreign nationals for the first

time ever. There were around 150,764 arrivals across the border between 20 March 2020 and 16 February 2021, the majority of whom were returning New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. This compares with 6,493,613 arrivals over the same period in 2019. This has contributed to labour shortages in sectors that have traditionally been more reliant on migrant workers, for eg. Horticulture.

• The horticulture industry in Tai Tokerau has traditionally been more reliant on a migrant workforce. During the pandemic, employers and workers alike have needed to adjust their attitudes and ways of working to utilise more local labour in this key industry.

High internal migration into the region• Kaipara district was one of the areas in New Zealand with the highest population growth

rates for the year ended June 2020 (provisional), driven by internal migration, rather than natural increase or international migration.

• At the 2018 census, 16.8 percent of the population in Northland noted their usual place of residence one year prior was elsewhere in New Zealand.

Source: Stats NZ. Accessed July 2021.

Usual residence one year ago for people in Northland Region and New Zealand, 2018 Census

Source: Stats NZ. Accessed August 2021.

Understand the region's welfare profile

Social inequity and deprivation challenges higher than other regions• Northland DHB ranks overall 19 out of 20 DHBs nationally on the University of Auckland's Index

of Multiple Deprivation - IMD18 (1 = least deprived, 20 = most deprived). Northland also ranks poorly on the key domains of 'Education', 'Employment' and 'Income' – last of all 20 DHBs.

• There is wide variation in deprivation levels across the Tai Tokerau, with higher deprivation concentrated in the Far North District of the region.

A relatively high proportion of the region’s population are on a MSD benefit• 5.7 percent of all recipients of MSD main benefits nationally in the June 2021 quarter were in

the Tai Tokerau region, which represents only 3.8 percent of the population.• In the June 2021 quarter, 11,346 people in Tai Tokerau were on Jobseeker support, or 6

percent of all Jobseeker support recipients nationally. • The highest proportion of all regions nationally - 10.5 percent of the working age population

(18-64) were receiving Jobseeker support, as at 16 July 2021.More youth, and more longer term recipients, are on benefits as a result of COVID• Highest percentage increases year on year, as at June 2021, were for youth aged 18-24 years,

(19 percent), and for people a main benefit for more than one year (14 percent)• The number of people receiving MSD main benefits for one year or more increased each

quarter between March 2020 and March 2021 and reduced slightly in the June 2021 quarter.

DefinitionsIndex of Multiple Deprivation 2018 (IMD18): The IMD18 comprises 29 indicators grouped into seven domains of deprivation. These are mapped for data zones that have an average population of 761. The IMD18 provides a rich view of area level deprivation in New Zealand.MSD main benefits: include jobseeker and sole parent support, supported living payment, and 'other' categories

ResourcesMBIE Monthly labour market fact sheet June 2021University of Auckland Index of Multiple Deprivation: IMD18MSD Benefits fact sheets: June 2021 releaseMSD Income support weekly update: 16 July 2021

COVID-19 impact and support• Over half of all jobs in the Tai Tokerau

region were supported by government COVID wage subsidy schemes during 2020 lockdowns

• When the wage subsidies ended, a predicted increase in people seeking government support did not occur, as many people found re-employment.

• Numbers on Jobseeker support increased following the March 2020 lockdown, but are starting to decline.

• The increase in those on the beneft in Tai Tokerau since the beginning of the pandemic, has been less than for New Zealand as a whole.

Source: Infometrics. Accessed July 2021.

July 2021. Source: MSD. Accessed July 2021

Source: University of Auckland IMD18. Accessed July 2021.

Note: Original wage subsidy schemes. Source: MBIE. Accessed June 2021.

Key enablers and barriers to labour market participation

Enablers• Access to quality, safe and affordable housing near to employment or training opportunities;• Driver's license and/or access to transportation;• Strong and supported school leaver transitions and pathways;• Jobs and skill hubs – information about available opportunities;• Access to appropriate training and education; courses that meet the specific needs of the learner;• Funding for training - vocational, in-work, tertiary;• Pastoral care that involves the wider whanau/aiga/family in the process;• Higher level qualifications (for example, at level 4 or above);• Digital literacy and Financial literacy;• Possessing the social or ‘soft’ skills that employers seek, eg. ‘the right attitude’;• In-work learning that allows people to train while they earn;• Formal recognition of micro-credentials or in-work learning;• Government wage subsidies for COVID-impacted jobs;• Flexible working conditions to accommodate family responsibilities or training, and;• Case management for those who have been on MSD benefits for longer periods of time.

ResourcesStats NZ, 2018 census place summaries, Health - Northland region. Accessed August 2021. Quarterly Economic Monitor – Northland Region, March 2021 (hosted by infometrics)Northland DHB, population health 2014 – 2017 Health Services. Accessed August 2021.Northland DHB Annual Report 2020. Accessed August 2021.Otago University, Health and Wellbeing of under-25 year olds in the Northern region 2014-2018 2019 paper . Accessed August 2021.

Barriers• Poor awareness early on of opportunities available. Without early awareness of training and

career opportunities, youth/young people are ill-equipped to make good choices, for example; the need to take STEM classes at school toward a career in health;

• Limited or no digital access – large barrier to participation in employment or training, especially during lockdowns. Under investment or poorly targeted investment in digital infrastructure in Tai Tokerau is a barrier to skill development and participation in 'future of work' industries.

• Unclear/difficult transition pathways from secondary to tertiary education;• Lack of system or wrap-around support for learners or job seekers;• Limited access to employment advice;• A lack of relevant work experience;• Lack of cultural competency in employers;• Health concerns, for example; growing pressure in some industries causing mental health

concerns and high attrition rates, and;• Poor training culture in businesses/reduced on-the-job training, especially post-COVID.

Underlying issues that affect the labour market• Poor health outcomes and/or having a disability limiting a person’s ability to engage with

learning or work opportunities. Māori in Tai Tokerau are particularly impacted by poorer health;• Socioeconomic deprivation, and;• Poor housing stock in the rohe - directly impacts on wellbeing and people's ability to participate

in learning and work.

Health outcomes in Tai Tokerau• Poorer health outcomes for people in Tai Tokerau (relative to New Zealand as a whole) is one issue

that impinges on the labour market in the region.• 8.6 percent of the population in Tai Tokerau experienced one or more activity limitations at census

2018. This rate is slightly higher for Māori at 9.4 percent. Across all age groups, the rate of people who experience activity limitations is higher than the same age groups within the New Zealand population (Stats NZ).

• Access to timely health care is also an issue for people in Tai Tokerau with 30 percent of children (0 – 15 years) in Northland experiencing difficulties accessing primary care in 2017, an increase of 10 percent since 2014. This compares with 20 percent for New Zealand children as a whole. The main barriers to accessing primary care were transport, ability to get an appointment within 24 hours and cost (Northland DHB)

• Work by Otago University indicated that for young people under the age of 25, those within the Northland DHB experience higher rates of psychological distress than the national average and higher rates of being seen by alcohol and drug services. These factors have the potential to limit a young person’s ability to participate in education, training or employment.

• Māori in Tai Tokerau experience poorer outcomes across a range of health and socioeconomic statistics. They represent over a third of the region’s population but 52 percent of the child and youth population (Northland DHB). This is important when designing and investing in training, recruitment and pastoral care. Community-led design will be required, with a focus on the needs of Māori as a growing proportion of learners and the labour force in the region.

• Pastoral care and wraparound supports for learners with a health condition or disability will also be relevant.

Tai Tokerau skills profile

DefinitionsSkills (also known as human capital) are the ability and capacity to carry out processes and be able to use one’s knowledge in a responsible way to achieve a goalKnowledge intensive (KI) industries: An industry is defined as knowledge-intensive if it meets two criteria: at least 25 per cent of the workforce is qualified to degree level and at least 30 per cent of the workforce is in professional, managerial and scientific and technical occupations.ResourcesOECD Skills Strategy NZ: May 2019Education Counts. Survey of Adult Skills: Regional and local profilesStats NZ Place summaries: Northland

Tai Tokerau has lower formal skills than other regions• A higher proportion of the Tai Tokerau population has low numeracy in than the total NZ population, while resident have similar literacy levels

as the wider NZ population• A higher proportion of people have no or low-level (levels 1 & 2 certificates) qualifications than in NZ as a whole, and a smaller proportion

have level 7 or above qualifications.• Formal qualification levels in the region are increasing over time.• Employment by broad skill levels in Tai Tokerau is similar to the whole of New Zealand, with slightly more employed in lower-skilled jobs.There is increasing demand for a more skilled workforce• In 2020, professionals accounted for the largest share of employment in Tai Tokerau at 22.6 percent. This is lower than for NZ at 24.3 percent.• In 2020, 27.3 percent of the population were employed in knowledge intensive (KI) industries. This is less than New Zealand as a whole, at

32.1 percent. However, in the year to March 2020 growth in KI industries was higher in Tai Tokerau than NZ as a whole; 3.6 percent growth versus 2.5 percent, respectively (Source: Infometrics). Continuing skills acquisition will be necessary to meet future needs, due to automation/digitisation

• The number of employers in the horticulture sector is reducing as holdings are consolidated, which is increasing demand for skilled supervisors and middle management.

• From 2010 to 2020, demand for people with a qualification in Engineering and Related Technologies increased more than for other fields.• OECD analysis shows that young New Zealanders skills are not improving over time, and are declining in some areas. As below, New

Zealand performs well on several elements related to skill development, but the strategy identified that New Zealand has imbalances between the skills of workers and the skills needs of the labour market.

Employment by broad skill level, 2020 (Source: Infometrics. Accessed July 2021.)

Source: Stats NZ. Accessed July 2021.

Employment by broad occupation, 2020

Source: Infometrics. Accessed July 2021.

Future trends…Considering possible future scenarios for the labour market in Tai Tokerau, and forecasting based on these, will be a necessary part of the development of a Regional Workforce Plan.

Key issues that will be important to consider in looking to the future are:

- The importance of Māori in shaping the region’s future: The proportion of Māori in the Tai Tokerau population is increasing over time, from 31.7 percent at the 2006 census to 36 percent at the 2018 census. Māori also make up 52 percent of the child and youth population. A greater proportion of the population in Tai Tokerau speak Māori than New Zealand as a whole (9.9 percent versus 4 percent respectively). Māori will have a growing role to play in the future labour force, economy and in education and training for the region.

- Growing demand for a more highly-skilled workforce: Mixed-field courses are preferred by Tai Tokerau school leavers and Māori are more likely to enrol in mixed-field courses than non-Māori. Growing digital and financial literacy in the region is likely to be important, as these skills facilitate participation in higher education and training. There is work to be done to train unskilled workers and move them into highly-skilled jobs, for which there is increasing demand.

- Technological change and the future of work: The proportion of the adult population holding no formal qualifications is reducing, with a large drop for Māori seen since the 2006 census. In addition, the proportion of the population holding a bachelor degree or higher is increasing over time. Continuing this trend will be necessary to ensure the region has the skilled workforce required to support growing mechanisation in the primary and manufacturing sectors, to embrace the future of work more widely, to lean into opportunities presented by climate change initiatives and subsidies, and to build the infrastructure the region needs moving forward.

- Health sector reform and the need to be responsive to local health needs: Poorer health is one potential barrier to participating in education, training or employment and there is a need for greater representation of Māori in the health workforce in the region. Northland DHB have been doing some work in this space, including appointing a Workforce Equity Manager. The Health sector reforms are relevant too with a Māori Health Authority to be established that will focus on strengthening the Māori workforce in health and growing Kaupapa Māori services.

- Increased government investment in the region as part of the COVID recovery budget: This will have a bearing on the workforce moving forward. For example, investment in attracting domestic visitors to boost the local tourism industry, Kainga Ora funding for housing projects, climate change initiatives and carbon offsets, support for small businesses and investment in tech, will all influence opportunities for local workers.

This 11-point plan was prepared by the MBIE secretariat for the Tai Tokerau Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG). It is a snapshot in time and an environmental scan. Updated data will be provided to the RSLG when required, as an input into the work towards developing a Regional Workforce Plan.

To suggest changes or additions to this document, please email TaiTokerauRSLG@mbie.govt.nz.

Source: Stats NZ. Accessed August 2021.

- Challenges underpinning skills and the labour market go beyond the education system to wider socioeconomic issues: It is well understood that poverty can limit a person’s ability to meet basic needs such as housing, transport, power, food and clothing. It can also be a barrier to accessing services like health, education and childcare and, when severe and persistent, poverty can lead to severe stress, stigma and exclusion, housing instability and transience which impact on wellbeing and a person’s ability to engage with educational and employment opportunities (Child and youth wellbeing strategy, 2019). Government efforts nationally to reduce child poverty are ongoing and achieving some results (see Child Poverty Report, 2021).

- The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD18) placed 72 percent of the Tai Tokerau population in the most deprived half of the index. Northland DHB ranked 20th (most deprived) out of 20 DHBs for the domains of income, employment and education and 19th for access to services. Understanding these regional challenges will assist in designing supports and pastoral care for learners and workers alike, looking at the whole person, their whanau and the socioeconomic context in which they work, learn and live. The community Is well placed to identify the solutions required to realise local aspirations, and community-led initiatives will be required.

ResourcesUniversity of Auckland, IMD18 - Northland DHBStats NZ, 2018 census place summaries, Health - Northland region. Accessed August 2021. Northland DHB Annual Report 2020. Accessed August 2021.Northland DHB Our peopleDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (August 2019) Child and Youth Wellbeing StrategyNew Zealand Government (May 2021) Child Poverty Report

Note: We were unable to locate data specifically related to kura kaupapa Māori successes in the region. The RSLG may prioritise research in this area, in future.

Regional strategic plans

Strategic Plan Developed by... Purpose

Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action PlanThe Action Plan was refreshed in 2019 and includes an update on completed projects

Northland Inc. The Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan was developed in response to a 2015 Growth Study that identified economic opportunities to grow investment, jobs and incomes from key sectors in the region.The Action Plan brings projects together that are contributing to transforming Northland's economy and social development.

Tai Tokerau interim Regional Workforce Plan (RWP) (Under development)

MSD, Northland Inc, Northland Chamber,Amotai, FNDC Social Procurement, Te Hiku Iwi Development trust with support from MBIE.

MSD, Northland Inc, Northland Chamber, Amotai, FNDC Social Procurement, and Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust are developing an interim RWP with support from MBIE.60 interviews with employers across a range of industries are being carried out in the region to inform this work. The plan is for the interim RWP to feed into the work of the full RSLG RWP due in July 2022.

He Tangata, He Whenua, He Oranga – An economicgrowth strategy for the Tai Tokerau Māori economy February 2015

Tai Tokerau Iwi Chief Executives’ Consortium.The five iwi entities who initiated this project are: -Te Runanga Nui o Te Aupouri -Te Runanga o Te Rarawa -Te Runanga o Whaingaroa -Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngapuhi -Ngati Wai Trust Board -Te Runanga o Ngati Whatua Te Runanga o Ngai Takoto has also added its influence to the strategy’s development.

Supported by resourcing through Te Puni Kokiri, He Tangata, He Whenua, He Oranga was the first independently developed, regional Māori, tikanga-based, economic growth strategy in the country. The strategy is overseen by the Tai Tokerau Iwi Chief Executives’ Consortium and Te Kahu O Taonui (Tai Tokerau Iwi chairs’ forum).He Tangata, He Whenua, He Oranga focuses on five high level strategic interventions, intended to stimulate the necessary shift in pathology required to create an environment that reinforces Māori prosperity and wellness in Te Taitokerau.

Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust workforce plan (Under development)

Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust are working closely within their community to develop their own workforce plan. With support from the iRSLG, MBIE are providing support for this initiative through workforce plan information and advice to ensure this mahi dovetails with the larger Tai Tokerau regional workforce plan, due July 2022.

Te Hiku ō Te Ika Iwi Strategic Plan 2020-2045 Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust There are five strategic goals to this plan:- ‘We will leverage the gains made to date to advance the Social Accord outcomes.- We will work on the system to improve the way it responds to whānau need and

aspiration until our functions are devolved back to Iwi.- We will cooperate and collaborate with our Iwi networks to achieve equity of outcomes

for our whānau and the realisation of their Tino Rangatiratanga (includes a KPI to ‘Develop workforce development initiatives to support Iwi networks’).

- We will change the narrative for whānau through regular engagement, inclusion of whānau voice and report back.

- We will give life to the Treaty partnership between Te Hiku Iwi and the Crown.’

Task 9: Regional strategic plans

Strategic Plan Developed by... Purpose

Northland – Forward Together The four Councils of Northland ‘Northland | Forward Together’ is the collective work programme for all four Northland councils to work together to deliver better outcomes for Northland and its people.The Northland Chief Executives’ Forum and the Northland Mayoral Forum retain oversight of the programme. However, all the elected members of the four Northland councils meet three times a year to be kept up to date with progress and abreast of new developments.The four priority projects identified for 2021 are; Four Waters, Regional Economic Development, Climate Change and Waste Management with one council identified to champion each workstream.

Tai Tokerau Economic Development Strategy (Under development)

Northland Inc. Northland Inc. (Economic Development Agency for Tai Tokerau) is in the early stages of developing a Regional Economic Strategy with an intergenerational longer term focus.

Northland Regional Council Te Mahere Roa 2021-2031 - Long Term Plan 2021-2031

Northland Regional Council The Long Term Plan 2021-2031 represents the Council’s three-yearly review of council activities. It's been developed in response to the views of communities, legislative changes from central government, and work the Council knows needs to be done to achieve environmental, social, economic and cultural wellbeing, building on the Council vision: “Our Northland – together we thrive”.

Far North District Council Transport Strategy Far North District Council The Integrated Transport Strategy sets out the District’s priorities to achieve a transport system that will best support the Far North and its people over the next 10-30 years. Adopted July 2021.

Far North District Council Long Term Plan 2021-2031 Far North District Council The Long Term Plan (LTP) is the Council's key strategic planning document. It sets out what the Council plans to do over the next 10 years and how it plans to pay for this. The elected Council adopted the Long Term Plan 2021-31 on 24 June 2021 after an extensive community consultation exercise.

Kaipara District Council Annual Plan 2020-2021 Kaipara District Council The Annual Plan 2020-2021 is Year 3 of Kaipara District Council’s Long Term Plan 2018-2028 (LTP) and outlines it’s budgets for the next 12 months. It identifies Council’s activities, how they will be funded and where budget has been allocated from July 2020 to June 2021.

Whangarei District Council Long Term Plan 2021-2031 Vol. 1and Vol. 2

Whangarei District Council This is Whangārei’s road map for the next 10 years, moving on from the impacts of the pandemic, and focusing on building an inclusive, resilient and sustainable District. Managinggrowth remains a key challenge for the District, so the Council will continue to prioritise:- preparing for climate change and focusing on sustainability- improving roads and other ways of getting around- revitalising the city centre- supporting central government on housing and- advocating for future opportunities – like Northport expansion and Navy relocation.

Task 10: Stock take of initiatives (1)

Initiative Delivered by... DetailsTupu – Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust’s group employer model

Te Hiku Development Trust This model enables a newly trained local workforce, with wrap-around pastoral care, to work across seasonal workplaces. This project has the support of Te Runanga o Te Rarawa, MSD and PGF, as well as E Tu.

Ngāti Hine and Seeka – local workersfor the kiwifruit industry

Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust in partnership with Ngāti Hine and Seeka.

Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust, in partnership with Ngāti Hine and Seeka, have trained and employed local workers for the current kiwifruit season with the support of MSD.

Kaipara peanut growing trial – Kaipara Kai

Kaipara Kai Kaipara Kai has reported a successful peanut growing trial across three sites in the Kaipara, with the support of Northland Inc, Provincial Growth Fund and MPI. Evidence this is a viable crop has been established. Funding is now being sought to expand across Tai Tokerau as the project is scaled up to meet demand from Pic’s Peanut Butter and other peanut based manufacturers.

The Tapuānuku project Co-designed with the horticulture industry, NorthTec, Te Paeroa Tika and MBIE

The Tapuānuku project will inform a new way of learning, working and living. The project is being co-designed with the horticulture industry, NorthTec, Te Paeroa Tika and MBIE representing community and pastoral care providers and government agencies. It aims to design a new learning framework for the horticulture sector and to get better outcomes for all stakeholders and partners.

Hospitality worker redeployment Queenstown Resort College Queenstown Resort College provided training and managed employment for over 80 workers who would otherwise have been made redundant due to Covid. The project was supported by the PGF.

Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Park Two steering groups:Business Park Development Group –comprising Far North Holdings Ltd (FNHL), Northland Inc, Ngāti Rangi, Te Pai Roa Tika, communications, sector and economic development expertise, Far North District Council (FNDC)Technical Group – comprising FNHL, planners, engineers, environmental, social, economic & cultural expertise(Also MSD and Provincial Growth Fund).

The business park brings innovative businesses together with education and training providers, research and development organisations, economic development and business incubation support. It provides opportunities for local Māori landowners and businesses to invest in value-added activity. And it attracts symbiotic activity to create a circular economy at the park.The vision for the Park is to support and enable economic (and consequently social) development for the region, based on: • value-added production - particularly of primary products already produced in the region; • innovative technology and research and development; • skills, training and upskilling to support employment at the Park and beyond; • incubation of value-added manufacturing and associated service businesses, and; • sustainable land use and the concept of a circular economy.

Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Park- NorthTec and Regent training on-site

North Tec and Regent Training NorthTec and Regent training are preparing for their move on-site at the Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Park to provide learning support in innovative ways to support both workers and industry providing just-in-time skills development to meet seasonal needs.

Task 10: Stock take of initiatives (2)

Initiative Delivered by... DetailsKaikohe Berries A collaboration between Ngāpuhi and

Maungatapere BerriesKaikohe Berries – a collaboration between Ngāpuhi and Maungatapere Berries – are erecting the initial tunnel houses with 120 local workers to be employed over the next nine months. Foundations for a cool store and processing plant is underway. Automation for the blue berry crop will also be deployed which is a first in Tai Tokerau and will require local workers with a different skills set

TEC and Ministry of Education teacher-only day focused on vocational pathway sectors

TEC and Ministry of Education TEC and MOE are hosting a teacher-only day focussed on vocational pathway sectors. There are already over 200 teachers registered for the event at Ōkaihau College. This builds on the teachers’ knowledge of vocational education, while developing links with local employers.

Digital connectivity for marae in Tai Tokerau

Funded through TPK and PGF Ninety-nine marae are now digitally connected. A further 16 marae will be connected by July. Tai Tokerau has had a high uptake of this opportunity, funded through TPK and the PGF. Digital connectivity and skills development will help unlock labour market potential.

Te Kona Digital Hub Te Kotahitanga E Mahi Kaha Trust supported by PDU, Foundation North, J R McKenzie Trust, Tindall Foundation.

Te Kona digital hub in Kaikohe is the work of Ngāpuhi’s Te Kotahitanga E Mahi Kaha Trust, which provides training, employment and business leadership to help Ngāpuhi people achieve tinorangatiratanga (independence). The development of Te Kona has been supported by the government’s Provincial Development Unit, as well as Foundation North, the J R McKenzie Trust and the Tindall Foundation.

NorthTec skills training in power generation

NorthTec NorthTec plans to provide relevant skills training to local communities who are looking to generate their own power. Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust has identified a number of “orphan” solar power initiatives which NorthTec is keen to support.

Collaboration between White WaterSolutions and local communities

Local Hokianga water communities andWhite Water Solutions

Work by local Hokianga water communities has resulted in local business White Water Solutions working with local communities to consolidate their systems and processes so they are now common across the communities. This has reduced inventory of spare parts and increased collaboration amongst the communities to ensure their water supplies are more sustainable. Local workers are being trained in the required skills to ensure sustainability across the water supplies.

Community Capability Project A project steering group includes Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust, Te Kotahitanga E Mahi Kaha Trust and others. The steering group reports to the ERLG and SWGG. The project is managed by Te Pai Roa Tika.

The community-led project hosted a hui for government agencies and stakeholders, with a focus on the Utukura Valley and its housing needs. Kāinga Ora committed to working with the community to provide relocated houses to help them achieve some of their economic aspirations. Other agencies have committed to providing wrap-around services for the project including providing training and development to locals on how to maintain and sustain the homes. This will enable the community to move forward with their aspirations including gaining skills in building and construction and developing their own businesses.

Task 11: Key regional stakeholders (1)

Group Purpose Link with RSLG

yes/no

Overlaps and opportunities for collaboratio

n with RSLGTe Kahu o Taonui Formed in 2006/7, the purpose of Te Kahu o Taonui was to create a taumata for the Tai Tokerau Iwi Chairs to

come together, to wānanga, and to share ideas and concerns with each other. To utilise the power of collective Iwi to create more opportunities to benefit all of Tai Tokerau whānau, hapū and Marae.

Yes, throughco-chair

Māori economic development and supporting the aspirations of iwi, hapūand whānau.

Iwi Members:• Ngāti Kuri Trust Board• Te Aupōuri Iwi• Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa• Te Rūnanga-ā-iwi o Ngāti Kahu• Te Rūnanga o Ngai Takoto• Kahukuraariki Trust Board

• Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa• Te Rūnanga-ā-iwi o Ngāpuhi• Te Roroa• Ngāti Wai Trust Board• Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua

Northland Inc. The Regional Economic Development Agency for Northland. This includes work as the Regional Tourism Organisation for Northland and the management of central government’s Regional Business Partner (RBP) Network. Mission: To identify and focus on those activities and relationships that will strengthen, diversify, and grow Te Tai Tokerau Northland economy to help achieve equity and environmental sustainability.

Yes, through member

Economic development, job creation.Northland Inc. is the early stages of developing a Regional Economic Development strategy

Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust

Te Hiku ō Te Ika Iwi Development Trust (the Development Trust) is a Charitable Trust formed in 2013 by theIwi Chairs of Ngāi Takoto, Te Aupōuri and Te Rarawa.Set up on the cusp of the Treaty settlements, the Development Trust was established as a vehicle to drivecollaborative programmes and shared outcomes that Iwi seek collectively

Yes, through member

Māori economic development and supporting the aspirations of iwi, hapūand whānau.

North Tec NorthTec is the only Northland-based Tertiary Education Institute (TEI) that provides over programmes ranging from foundation, certificate, diploma and degree level.NorthTec has campuses and learning centres in Whangarei, Kaikohe, Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Dargaville and Auckland. NorthTec also has over 60 community-based delivery points as well as online learning options.

Yes, through co-chair

Education and training, future workforce.

Social Wellbeing Governance Group (SWGG)

SWGG is an interagency social wellbeing governance group established in 2013 to more effectively respond to the challenges facing vulnerable children, youth and families in Northland. Its current membership includes the regional leaders of the Ministries of Social Development and Education, Te Puni Kōkiri, New Zealand Police, the Northland District Health Board and the Regional Children's Director. There is also a mandated representative of the iwi Chairs.

Yes, through the members

Investments in education and training, addressing barriers to engagement in education/training or employment, etc.

Task 11: Key regional stakeholders (2)

Group Purpose Link with RSLG

Overlaps and opportunities for collaboration

with RSLG

Northland DHB Northland DHB is responsible for providing or funding health and disability services for the people of Northland. The DHB covers a large geographical area from Te Hana in the south to Cape Reinga in the north.The DHB employs 3,086 staff. Acute services are provided through the DHB’s four hospitals, based at Whangarei, Dargaville, Kawakawa and Kaitaia, with elective surgery performed at Whangarei and Kaitaia. These services are supplemented by a network of community-based, outpatient and mental health services, a range of allied health services, and a public and population health unit.The DHB allocates funding across the health sector in Northland, contracting with a range of community-based service providers such as Mahitahi Hauora, Tai Tokerau’s single Primary Health Entity, dentists, pharmacies and other non-government organisations.

Yes Collaboration on work around the health workforce in Tai Tokerau. Currently collaborating with RSLG on Home and Community Support Services workforce issues and opportunities.

Home and Community Support Services (HCSS) providers

Various home and community support services providers are collaborating with the RSLG (withsupport from Northland DHB) over a series of three HCSS Workforce Development Hui. August 4th -issue identification across the sector, September 15th - identify a range of solutions, October 13th –implementation planning.

Yes Kaiāwhina workforce, HCSS as a major employer in the region, growing demand for aged care services and workforce with an ageing population in the region.Currently collaborating with RSLG on Home and Community Support Services workforce issues and opportunities.

- Iwi social service providers (Ngāti Kahu)- Ngāti Hine Health Trust- Home support North- Geneva Northlink Health Care

- Access Home Care- Ngāti Rehia- And others

Northland Regional Council and District Councils:- Far North District Council- Whangarei District Council- Kaipara District Council

NRC mission: ‘Working together to create a healthy environment, strong economy and resilient communities’.FNDC Vision: He Whenua Rangatira - A District of Sustainable Prosperity and Well-Being.FNDC Mission: Creating great places, supporting our people.Whangarei DC: Whangarei District Council is a territorial authority (local government), which operates in the Whangārei District. The purpose of local government in New Zealand is to: enable democratic decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities; promote the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of communities, now and in the future.Kaipara DC Vision: ‘Growing a better Kaipara. Nurturing our people and place by inspiring a vibrant, healthy and caring community’.

Yes,through member (FNDC)

Economic development, addressing barriers and enablers to participation in learning or employment opportunities.

Northland Chamber of Commerce Since 1902, the Northland Chamber of Commerce has served the needs of the Northland business community through its public policy and advocacy initiatives and its business development programmes and services. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Northland (Inc) is a non-political, non-profit organisation which represents the full spectrum of business interests, both small and large, in Northland – retailing, service, manufacturing exporters, importers and other organisations.

Yes through Regional Lead

SMEs, Industry, demand for labour and skills.

Task 11: Key national/regional stakeholders (3)

Group Purpose Link with RSLG

Overlaps and opportunities for collaboration with

RSLG

Ministry of Social Development (MSD)

MSD is all about helping to build successful individuals, and in turn building strong, healthy families and communities. Through providing:- employment, income support and superannuation services- funding to community service providers- social policy and advice to government- student allowances and loans- social housing assistance

Yes, through Regional Public Service Commissioner

Employment, income support, support for education and training, social housing assistances, addressing barriers to engaging in learning or employment opportunities.

Northland Mayoral Forumand Mayors Taskforce For Jobs

The purpose of the Northland Mayoral Forum is to provide a forum for the Chair and Mayors of the four councils of Northland to provide regional leadership and seek local authority alignment on key strategic governance priorities for the region and its communities and address any governance issues of the day.The Mayors Taskforce For Jobs (MTFJ) is a nationwide network of New Zealand’s Mayors, working together towards the vision of all young people under 25 being engaged in appropriate education, training, work or other positive activity in their communities.

Yes through the Regional Lead with quarterly meetings

Regional economic development.

Education, training, employment for young people.

Workforce Development Councils (WDCs)

The establishment of six Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) is part of the Review of Vocational Education (RoVE). WDCs will give industries greater leadership and influence across vocational education. WDCs will set standards, develop qualifications and help shape the curriculum of vocational education to ensure it meets their industries’ needs.

Being established Education and training, future workforce.

Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO)

The ITO for building and Construction, BCITO support learners throughon-the-job training and regular guidance. Working alongside industry employers, BCITO create futures for dedicated tradies, helping them develop successful careers and become valuable contributors in New Zealand's building and construction industry.

Yes – throughregional workshops on the WIP

Education and training, construction and infrastructure, housing supply.

Ministry of Education The Ministry of Education is the Government's lead advisor on the New Zealand education system, shaping direction for sector agencies and providers.

Yes – regular meetings with Regional Director and RSLG Regional Lead

Education and training, future workforce.

Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)

TEC invests over $3 billion into tertiary education and supporting the tertiary and careers system. TEC fund over 700 tertiary education organisations (TEOs) to provide thousands of courses to hundreds of thousands of learners. TEC also monitors the performance of TEOs and provides information and advice to the Government about tertiary education.

Yes through Regional Lead –monthly meetings including the Education Ministry

Education and training, future workforce.