There is global demand for quality, sustainably grown, clean and green New Zealand primary products. We are here to help provide that.
The Challenge
There is global demand for quality, sustainably grown, clean and green New Zealand primary products. This has led to unprecedented growth in the horticulture industry. This growth has resulted in a demand for a skilled work force to meet the needs of horticultural enterprises across New Zealand and in the Bay of Plenty in particular.
Not only is the work force predicted to grow but the percentage of that work force required to be skilled is predicted to increase significantly. In 2012, an estimated 44% of employees in the primary industries had formal, post-school qualifications.
By 2025, it’s anticipated this will need to increase to 62%, (source: Ministry of Primary Industries). There is a shortage of well-defined pathways into the industry with no existing platform to link secondary schools to tertiary and industry requirements. There is a clear gap between the skills needed and those available.
The Solution
The Katikati Innovative Horticulture Trust has established a project that provides a solution to these needs.
It is unique, innovative and pioneering and is supported by industry with a focus on growing a skilled horticultural work force. This project is about creating and sustaining a centre of horticultural educational excellence catering for school aged students, young people not in education, employment or training, (NEETs) and the community. It brings together education, skills and training providers offering pathways into horticulture, under one umbrella, based at Katikati College.
By 2025 the horticulture industry is expected to need:
A net increase of 7800 workers (nationwide)
14900 more workers with qualifications
7100 fewer workers without post school qualifications (through training and natural attrition)
An additional 26300 trained workers to replace the natural attrition of workers within the industry
Capability Needs
A new report shows that the New Zealand horticulture sector is thriving and says it is well on track to meet its goal of being worth $10 billion by 2020.
According to the latest Fresh Facts, published annually by Plant & Food Research since 1999, the industry was valued at $9.2 billion in the year ending 30 June, 2018, up $400 million from 2017.
The increase was driven by a strong growth in exports, which rose to $5.5 billion from $5.1 billion the year before. The report said horticultural exports tripled from $1.7 billion 20 years ago, and now accounted for almost 10 percent of New Zealand’s total merchandise exports. Kiwifruit and wine were the main drivers for New Zealand’s horticultural success. More than a third (34 percent) of the export revenue was attributable to kiwifruit ($1.86 billion, up from $1.66 in 2017).
Newshub, 28/05/2019