The newly released Regional Workforce Plans (RWPs) set out aspirations, priorities and actions for current and future workforce skills development and are available on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website here.

Each plan reflects the sectors, demographics and previous labour market planning in that region. The Nelson Tasman RWP highlights aquaculture, for example, noting both its major economic growth potential for the region and current critical staff shortages.

The Taranaki RWP has a focus on the energy sector and supporting development of the skilled workforce needed for a smooth transition to a low-emissions economy. In Waikato, with its agritech and dairying sectors and connections to Auckland and Tauranga, the RWP takes a ‘farm to port’ view of workforce issues and solutions.

RWPs will be refreshed annually with future plans focusing on other sectors and priorities. RSLGs developed their plans with their regional communities and that engagement will be ongoing. They work closely with Workforce Development Councils.

MBIE is leading a cross-agency response to the themes raised within Regional Workforce Plans, which will be released within six months. At a national level, RWPs are informing government work on education and training programmes, demand for migrant labour, and welfare initiatives that move people into long-term employment.

RSLGs are independent advisory groups leading coordinated regional labour market planning to better balance the current and future skills in a region with the skills employers need.