New training initiative to support Pacific and rural workers in NZ

A first-of-its-kind training initiative promises to be a game-changer for Pacific and rural workers in Otago.

The New Zealand government's pilot, Project Fetu, is aimed at breaking down the barriers to formal qualifications by offering NZQA-recognised training to employees in primary industries.

If successful, the project could serve as a model for nationwide workforce development, especially in rural regions struggling with employment instability.

The initiative was launched as a response to the challenges faced by Pacific workers in small towns like Oamaru.

As primary industry employers downsize, workers are left with fewer opportunities and Pacific families are among the hardest hit.

Government research shows that unemployment figures for Pacific people in New Zealand are significant, with unemployment at 10 percent and underutilisation at 18 percent.

This is much higher than the national averages of 5 percent and 12 percent respectively.

Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) chief executive Mata'aga Hana Fanene-Taiti said many Pacific workers come to New Zealand without formal qualifications.

"Traditional training pathways are often inaccessible due to cost, distance or time. Project Fetu is about creating hybrid, community-based ways of learning that meet people where they are."

She said qualifications earned through Project Fetu will help participants secure higher-paying jobs, and by diversifying skill sets - offer alternative career pathways.

"For some, this micro-credential could open the door to new roles in construction or manufacturing. For others, it's a chance to step up into supervisory or managerial positions, roles Pacific workers have historically struggled to access."

For many participants, this will be their first formal qualification, an intergenerational milestone for Pacific families.

"This is about social return as much as financial return. It's about building confidence, creating role models, and strengthening our communities so the next generation can thrive. When their kids see that success, it becomes normalised. They think, 'If Dad can do it, I can too.' That's the intergenerational impact we want."

She said the families of pilot participants will be invited to their graduation ceremony later this year.

One of the standout features of Project Fetu is its culturally responsive teaching approach.

In towns like Oamaru, where tertiary education options are limited, the program adapts to fit the needs of the learners.

Hanga-Aro-Rau Workforce Development Council CEO said the programme has been co-designed with Pacific learners and employers to ensure that it is both relevant and flexible.

"The Pacific workforce is growing and younger, and ensuring a sustainable pipeline is critical, particularly in regions where a single business closure can have wide-reaching impacts," Phil Alexander-Crawford said.

"Delivering training in culturally appropriate ways will ensure we get the best out of learners, enabling them to immediately contribute to the workforce."

He said a supportive environment is a crucial part of the programme's success.

Tweaks to the pilot program have already been made to better suit the students.

"We found that after a day's work, it was a challenge for workers to engage in the training. So we split the learning into smaller sessions, offering a wider, more flexible schedule."

Alexander-Crawford saidsthe qualifications earned will enable participants to stay resilient even if their current employment situation changes.

"Even if employers cannot continuously offer work in the same field, the skills acquired through this program will open doors in other industries such as construction, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. The key here is giving workers the tools to thrive no matter what sector they end up in."

He said this adaptability also benefits employers.

By offering tailored training programs, employers can retain skilled workers, foster loyalty, and increase productivity, which in turn strengthens local economies.

"It's a win-win for everyone, employers gain a more capable workforce, while workers gain the qualifications they need to progress in their careers and contribute more effectively to their organisations."

While the current pilot is focused on the Waitaki region, both Fanene-Taiti and Alexander-Crawford see the program as a blueprint for the rest of New Zealand.

Alexander-Crawford hopes Project Fetu will inspire similar initiatives across the country.

"If this pilot is successful in Waitaki, it could be scaled to other regions with similar needs. The model we're developing here could be a catalyst for nationwide workforce development and could serve as a solution to the challenges faced by rural communities and Pacific peoples."

Fanene-Taiti echoes his sentiments, saying the workforce needs more innovative ways of bringing education to the communities that need it most.

"This programme is an excellent example of community, the education sector and industry coming together to solve a problem and create an innovative solution for our people in our region. We would love to see this approach of collaboration scaled across the country."

They hope the success of Project Fetu will have a lasting impact on the future of Pacific workers and New Zealand's economy.

The ten students currently in the pilot training project are expected to graduate in November this year.