Today, hosted by Mr Apple in the Hawke’s Bay, we launched Soko ni Drua, a workforce development plan focused on strengthening outcomes for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.

As the sector grows, so does its reliance on the people who drive it forward. Among these are Pacific peoples, whose skills, knowledge, and labour sustain some of our country’s key industries.

Our Pacific workforce also continues to grow, representing a significant opportunity for the food and fibre sector.

“We have a responsibility to make sure our system reflects and serves all people, not just the majority”, says Muka Tangata Chief Executive Jeremy Baker. “The food and fibre sector has an opportunity to lead the way in creating spaces where Pacific peoples thrive, and Soko ni Drua charts a path for this.”

Soko ni Drua outlines a series of actions aimed at improving training, recognition, and progression pathways for Pacific peoples. These include:

• Improving the recognition of skills within the RSE scheme
• Making training more accessible and relevant for Pacific learners
• Supporting providers to reflect Pacific languages, worldviews, and traditional knowledge in their delivery
• Working with the Tertiary Education Commission to ensure investment decisions support Pacific learners’ progression
• Supporting industry to grow leadership pathways, not just entry-level pipelines

The plan is informed by existing data and insights collected by Muka Tangata, alongside talanoa with Pacific communities, industry, and stakeholders, capturing a range of lived experiences and workforce aspirations.

Read Soko Ni Drua here: Soko ni Drua›

We will continue to update and refine the plan as the needs of the sector, and its Pacific workforce, evolve.