Menu

Te hunga kei te iho o ā tātou kai, ā tātou muka ki tua

People at the heart of our food and fibre future

Muka Tangata is the Workforce Development Council (WDC) for the food and fibre sector.

We work on ways to enhance vocational education and training (VET) to meet the needs of industry, iwi and hapū Māori, ākonga (learners), and kaimahi (workers), and support them to flourish.

We engage with industries and education and training providers, offer skills leadership and advice, work on qualifications, standards, and quality assurance, and are exploring different ways of working to meet the needs of the food and fibre sector. We then advise government on what programmes and qualifications they should support and fund. Read more

Ngā Rongo Kōrero

News

Public consultation open: Seafood qualification suite
04/10/23

Public consultation open: Seafood qualification suite

As part of the Seafood qualification development project, Muka Tangata is seeking feedback through a public consultation process. Since April 2023, Muka Tangata have been...
Read more
Log scaling micro-credential project – Expression of interest
02/10/23

Log scaling micro-credential project – Expression of interest

We are pleased to announce a new project to develop a micro-credential in Forestry mensuration. Through our Forestry qualification development project, Muka Tangata has heard...
Read more
Wool micro-credential development update
29/09/23

Wool micro-credential development update

In August we initiated a project to work with industry to develop four micro-credentials to support the wool harvesting industry. The development phase of the...
Read more
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi visit
21/09/23

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi visit

Qualifications and quality assurance kaimahi from Muka Tangata and the five other Workforce Development Councils met with Te Wānanga o Awanuiārangi this month as part...
Read more
Workshop opportunity: Vehicles and Machinery Best Practice Assessing
12/09/23

Workshop opportunity: Vehicles and Machinery Best Practice Assessing

Muka Tangata Quality Assurance and Enhancement are offering a discussion-based workshop to providers who deliver the vehicle and machinery unit standards. More specifically, the Quad...
Read more
Transformation through collaboration: Empowering Pacific learners, businesses and employers
04/09/23

Transformation through collaboration: Empowering Pacific learners, businesses and employers

Strengthening career pathways and building a pipeline of Pacific talent through skills that industry need, now and in the future is at the heart of...
Read more
Te Reo ki Tua! National Māori Language Revitalisation Symposium
30/08/23

Te Reo ki Tua! National Māori Language Revitalisation Symposium

Muka Tangata wants ākonga (learners) to flourish in the food and fibre sector, and for employers and industry to get workers with the skills they...
Read more
Primary Production Select Committee briefing on Muka Tangata workplan
29/08/23

Primary Production Select Committee briefing on Muka Tangata workplan

The Primary Production Select Committee released a briefing on the Muka Tangata work plan, with recommendation that the House take note of its report. This...
Read more
Changing Council members for Muka Tangata
23/08/23

Changing Council members for Muka Tangata

One of our founding Council members is departing, having finished his term, and a new Associate Director has been appointed. With deep appreciation, we bid...
Read more
Te Mata Raraunga – Workforce Skills Data and Insights now live
21/08/23

Te Mata Raraunga – Workforce Skills Data and Insights now live

Te Mata Raraunga is now live and accessible by everyone – https://www.workforceskills.nz/ Ohu Ahumahi (the collective of the six Workforce Development Councils) are pleased to share...
Read more
Workforce Development Plans Online Showcase
16/08/23

Workforce Development Plans Online Showcase

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karanga maha. Nei rā te mihi, nei rā te wairua mākohakoha o Muka Tangata. Nei rā hoki...
Read more
Development of Wool Harvesting micro-credentials 2023
13/08/23

Development of Wool Harvesting micro-credentials 2023

Muka Tangata is excited to announce the launch of a project to develop four micro-credentials to support the wool harvesting industry. These micro-credentials will recognise...
Read more
Seafood Qualifications Transformation Project
03/08/23

Seafood Qualifications Transformation Project

On July 27th we had the privilege of running our first wānanga as part of the seafood qualifications suite review and transformation project.  Our review...
Read more
Forestry Qualifications Review Wānanga
13/07/23

Forestry Qualifications Review Wānanga

Over the last two days Muka Tangata have had the privilege of hosting Forestry Industry experts from across the motu as part of our review...
Read more
Operational Plan 2023-24
27/06/23

Operational Plan 2023-24

This Operational Plan sets out the ways in which we will advance our moemoeā (vision) and meet our commitments and deliverables over the 2023-24 year....
Read more
Ohu Ahumahi sign a Memorandum of Collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force
06/06/23

Ohu Ahumahi sign a Memorandum of Collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force

The MoC is another step forward in realising the vision of Ohu Ahumahi where people are at the centre, with endless possibilities to choose their...
Read more
Review of Forestry qualifications 2023
01/06/23

Review of Forestry qualifications 2023

Muka Tangata has launched the review of the suite of Forestry qualifications with a call for expressions of interest to play your part in the...
Read more
Feedback on changes: New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) with strands
24/05/23

Feedback on changes: New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) with strands

We are seeking feedback on a review of the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) with strands in Companion Animal Veterinary Nursing, and...
Read more
Radical simplification of food and fibre qualifications
12/05/23

Radical simplification of food and fibre qualifications

In a hearing with NZ Parliament’s Primary Production Select Committee on Thursday 4 May, Muka Tangata presented an update on our work over the past...
Read more
Introduction to the Seafood Review 2023
08/05/23

Introduction to the Seafood Review 2023

Kei ngā manutāiko, ngā kaipupuri o tō tātau nei mātauranga tēnā koutou katoa. Muka Tangata is pleased to announce the launch of the Seafood qualifications...
Read more
New Council members for Muka Tangata
02/05/23

New Council members for Muka Tangata

Two of our founding Council members have finished at the expiry of their terms and two new board members have been appointed. With our heartfelt...
Read more
Muka Tangata presenting at Work-Integrated Learning New Zealand International Conference 2023
20/04/23

Muka Tangata presenting at Work-Integrated Learning New Zealand International Conference 2023

Muka Tangata are presenting about our work to improve learning in work contexts at the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Conference hosted by the University of Canterbury at...
Read more
A new approach to quality assurance
13/04/23

A new approach to quality assurance

Part of our mandate to enhance vocational education and training to meet industry needs includes working with providers on quality assurance and moderation activities. We...
Read more
2023 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award
05/04/23

2023 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award

The Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award recognises and celebrates the achievements of young Māori farmers who are making a significant contribution to the agriculture industry...
Read more
Silviculture Apprenticeship Qualification Review
10/03/23

Silviculture Apprenticeship Qualification Review

We have set the conditions for the development of a New Zealand Apprenticeship in Forest Silviculture Operations by Te Pūkenga. Muka Tangata has now set...
Read more
Have your say on leadership training in the food and fibre sector
07/03/23

Have your say on leadership training in the food and fibre sector

The Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence is leading a project to develop a food and fibre leadership framework to meet the current and...
Read more
Responding to Cyclone Gabrielle
17/02/23

Responding to Cyclone Gabrielle

Our sincerest thoughts are with the people, whānau, businesses and all others feeling the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. In particular, we send our aroha to...
Read more
Embedding mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori into practice
08/02/23

Embedding mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori into practice

We are happy to share two important reports: Te Whakatōnga – a bespoke approach to deliberately incorporate mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori values into our National Quality...
Read more
Quality Assurance professional development online workshops
07/02/23

Quality Assurance professional development online workshops

Our Quality Assurance and Enhancement team will be holding a series of online professional development workshops this year. The workshops are for schools and providers...
Read more
2023 Quality Assurance and Enhancement Plan is live!
01/02/23

2023 Quality Assurance and Enhancement Plan is live!

The Plan is for providers assessing standards and delivering programmes in the food and fibre sector. We have developed a National External Quality Assurance and...
Read more
A New Approach to Learner Pathways
31/01/23

A New Approach to Learner Pathways

A new discussion document that examines how good design of qualifications, skills standards, and micro-credentials can enable greater flexibility in vocational education and training. A...
Read more
Muka Tangata Annual Report 2021/2022
25/01/23

Muka Tangata Annual Report 2021/2022

This comprehensive review dives deep into our mahi and successes from our establishment on 04 October 2021 through to the end of our first financial...
Read more
Growing Māori businesses and jobs in the food and fibre sector
02/12/22

Growing Māori businesses and jobs in the food and fibre sector

Our vision is of a food and fibre workforce and vocational education system that enables industry and partners to flourish in a manner that honours...
Read more
Forestry Line Retrieval Unit Standards Review  
14/11/22

Forestry Line Retrieval Unit Standards Review  

We have revised three forestry line retrieval unit standards as part of ongoing efforts to improve health, safety and wellbeing in the industry. We have...
Read more
Maungatapu blueberry farm visit
18/10/22

Maungatapu blueberry farm visit

Maungatapu is a whānau owned enterprise built around creating a whānau owned business, that provides employment and skills development for whānau, on whānau owned land....
Read more
Proposal for Level 5 Future Forestry Leader Qualification
07/10/22

Proposal for Level 5 Future Forestry Leader Qualification

We will be leading the consultation, design and development of a new qualification that will fulfil the requirements. Through our engagement with Te Uru Rākau...
Read more
Ohu Mahi Workforce Development Councils celebrate one year
04/10/22

Ohu Mahi Workforce Development Councils celebrate one year

This week Muka Tangata, and the five other Workforce Development Councils, celebrate the one year anniversary of our organisations. Since 4 October 2021 we have...
Read more
Haere rā Dan
30/09/22

Haere rā Dan

Today we say farewell and good luck to one of the founding members of the Muka Tangata Council. Kia whai au i te au o...
Read more
Engagement and Partnerships team visit NZ Merino in Christchurch
28/08/22

Engagement and Partnerships team visit NZ Merino in Christchurch

Our Engagement and Partnerships team were privileged to be hosted by the New Zealand Marino Company (NZM) in their Christchurch office on Wednesday 17 August....
Read more
Food and fibre a priority for regional workforce planning
16/08/22

Food and fibre a priority for regional workforce planning

Regional Skills Leadership Groups have launched their plans for skills and workforce development in our regions and cities with the food and fibre industries a...
Read more
Initial Sector Workforce Development Plan 2022 for the food and fibre sector
12/08/22

Initial Sector Workforce Development Plan 2022 for the food and fibre sector

WDPs are a plan for the whole of food and fibre, including all those involved in vocational education and training. This plan summarises priority areas...
Read more
Te Rāngai Ohu Mahi – Paerewa Ako me te Marautanga ā-motu  | Skill Standards and ‘National Curriculum’ Working Group information sessions
20/07/22

Te Rāngai Ohu Mahi – Paerewa Ako me te Marautanga ā-motu | Skill Standards and ‘National Curriculum’ Working Group information sessions

Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) and NZQA are hosting information sessions to consult on draft Skills Standards with feedback received from this initial engagement to be...
Read more
Muka Tangata WDC speak to the Parliamentary Primary Production Select Committee
08/07/22

Muka Tangata WDC speak to the Parliamentary Primary Production Select Committee

Muka Tangata Workforce Development Council (WDC) Chair Erin Simpson and Chief Executive Jeremy Baker were invited to speak to the Parliamentary Primary Production Select Committee...
Read more
Council member awarded Māori agribusiness award
30/06/22

Council member awarded Māori agribusiness award

Muka Tangata Council member Wini Geddes (Ngāti Awa, Ngaitai ki Tōrere), alongside Simon Geddes, both of Tāne Mahuta, were awarded the Māori Agribusiness award at...
Read more
Extending the last date of assessment for two qualifications in Horticulture
29/06/22

Extending the last date of assessment for two qualifications in Horticulture

We have extended the Last Date of Assessment (LDA) for two qualifications in Horticulture.   The Last Date of Assessment (LDA) in a qualification is...
Read more
WDC endorsement for new and revised programmes
25/05/22

WDC endorsement for new and revised programmes

From 1 June new or redesigned programmes will be endorsed by WDCs. From 1 June 2022 Programme Endorsement will replace Programme Approval, under the Education and...
Read more
Unified Funding System will provide more than $850 million per year for vocational education and training
20/05/22

Unified Funding System will provide more than $850 million per year for vocational education and training

We welcome the announcement this week of the new Unified Funding System (UFS), which will provide more than $850 million per year for vocational education...
Read more
All staff days – May 2022
16/05/22

All staff days – May 2022

We had the pleasure of all our staff and Council members gathering together in our Wellington office on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th May. We...
Read more
Food and Fibre Futures hui – Tauranga
04/05/22

Food and Fibre Futures hui – Tauranga

We met with industry and regional leaders in Tauranga on Monday 2 May. Our Engagement and Partnerships team are on the road this month to...
Read more
Supporting Māori in mahi
24/02/22

Supporting Māori in mahi

We share the vision of the wider system – one where vocational education adapts and responds to ākonga and industry needs, with a key focus...
Read more
Muka Tangata Workforce Development Council Chief Executive appointed
20/09/21

Muka Tangata Workforce Development Council Chief Executive appointed

Muka Tangata Workforce Development Council today announced the appointment of Jeremy Baker as Chief Executive. The appointment is a significant milestone in the establishment of...
Read more
Induction event to kickstart industry leadership in future skills development
07/07/21

Induction event to kickstart industry leadership in future skills development

A two-day induction event kicks off today for 54 industry leaders and innovators who will play a vital role in ensuring New Zealand’s vocational education...
Read more
The Orders in Council for the WDCs
14/05/21

The Orders in Council for the WDCs

The Reforms of Vocational Education (RoVE) have taken another significant step with the passing and gazetting of the Orders in Council that will lead to...
Read more

Workforce Development Plans

Workforce Development Plans capture the key workforce and training information about each sector, identify the workforce and skills issues facing the sector, and identify the roadmap of actions that Muka Tangata will take in partnership with industry, iwi and hapū Māori, and education providers to address those issues. Explore our industries