Training and careers

Training with Primary ITO?

Primary ITO is now part of Te Pūkenga. They may look a bit different, but their people and training remain the same.

As Te Pūkenga grows, they will have options available for you to learn in a way that suits your life while giving you the skills you need to succeed. Visit www.primaryito.ac.nz/tp

Deer Industry New Zealand works closely with Primary ITO to offer a deer NZ Apprenticeship and programmes for those that are interested in up-skilling themselves in deer farming.

Keen to study and know more about deer? Get on qualified on the job! Primary ITO have qualifications for the deer industry which means now is an awesome time to earn while you learn:

• NZ Certificate in Agriculture (Meat & Fibre) (Level 3) – suitable for Farm General or Shepherds, this qualification will give you a solid skill set across a range of on-farm tasks and seasonal activities.
• NZ Certificate in Agriculture (Meat & Fibre) (Level 4) – suitable for Head Shepherds or Stock/Block Managers, this qualification has two strands available – Breeding or Non-Breeding. You will grow your skills to step up and lead day-to-day operational activities and implement production plans.
• NZ Apprenticeship in Agriculture (Meat & Fibre) (Level 3 & 4) – this is a combination of the above qualifications.
• NZ Apprenticeship in Agriculture (Meat & Fibre) (Level 4)

The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund* (Free Trades Training) ends on 31 December 2022 – so take the opportunity now to enrol! Full information can be found on the Primary ITO website page, including FAQ’s >>

*Conditions apply. 

For more information and to get in touch with your local Training Adviser, visit www.primaryito.ac.nz

What is the value of training your staff? 

There are a few good reasons to train your team and to get in touch with Primary ITO: 

• Create a positive brand for your business, especially in a tight labour market. Why not set yourself apart from your competitors? 
• A skilled team means more time for you to focus on the strategic priorities of your business (and to have more time for yourself and your family).  
• The team are able to instantly apply their learning to the job and produce quality work – helping to grow a successful, sustainable business. 
• Build trust between yourself and your staff.
• The skills your staff learn are relevant to your business as all qualifications are developed for industry, by industry. 
• Your staff are working at a recognised industry standard.  
• Literacy and numeracy support is available for those who need this support. 
  
  

There’s great news if you choose to enrol apprentices as the Government has extended MSD’s Apprenticeship Boost which offers financial support until the end of 2023.

Want to learn more about what training can do for your business? Check out what some of our employers had to say about the value of training here.

Testimonials

Hannah Andrew – Landcorp (Pāmu) Mararoa

“Since starting the course 12th June 2018 I have learned about the reproductive system, AI mating, some health signs to look for during conception and from only being in the industry less than a year it really has helped me to open my eyes and go more in depth with dee and see what would benefit my farm”.

Luke Clucas – Raincliff Station

“From first two sessions I have learnt a lot about the reproductive cycle of deer and a bit more about their gene’s.  I liked going out to Deer Genetics to have a look through their shed and having a look at the systems they use to record all their info on their stags and hinds”

Upcoming events and deer courses will be posted to the events page here >>

SHEEP, BEEF AND DEER - CAREER PATHWAY flyer >>

*Information is correct at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to Primary ITO.

Deer Industry New Zealand invites expressions of interest for the role of Board Observer for 2025. The Board of Deer Industry New Zealand offers the opportunity for personal and professional development to a person with an interest in the deer sector to join the DINZ board in an observer capacity for 12 months.  

Person Specification: 

• The opportunity is open to any stakeholder in the deer industry who has an interest in assuming governance roles.  
• The person should have interests in the farmed deer sector, either through ownership of deer or employment in the production, processing or marketing of farmed deer products, or related industries. 
• The purpose of the Observer role is to develop individuals’ governance skills, therefore the applicants need not have previously served in similar capacities. 
• The person should be sufficiently experienced in their professional capacity to be able to add to the views of the DINZ Board.  
• Applications from individuals who also have skills and experience from outside of the deer industry are encouraged. 

Selection Criteria: 

• Willingness to bring their perspective to the deliberations of the DINZ Board 
• Aspirations for leadership in the deer and/or broader agriculture sector 
• Breadth of experience from outside the deer farming community 
• Availability to contribute to the work of the DINZ Board  
• Demonstration of career progression 

Selection process: 

A selection committee of two DINZ Board members and one from the NZ DFA Selection and Appointment Panel will assess expressions of interest and then interview a shortlist of candidates.   An appointment will be made in December 2024, for a person to attend DINZ Board meetings during 2025. 

Expenses: 

Travel and other reasonable expenses will be covered by Deer Industry New Zealand.  

Term: 

The term would be from 1 February 2025 until the first board meeting of 2026.  At the beginning of the term the Observer will be expected to attend Institute of Directors governance training at DINZ expense. 

Applications: 

Those interested in applying should submit an expression of interest to DINZ CEO rhys.griffiths@deernz.org by midday 20 December 2024. Please ensure you have “Board Observer Application” as the heading.  

Expressions of interest should include a summary of career to date, involvement with the New Zealand farmed deer sector, and how the skills, attitude and experiences of the applicant would benefit DINZ Board decision making. 

Timeline: 

• 27 November 2024 - Call for applications  
• 20 December 2024 - Applications close  
• w/c 13 January 2025 - Selection committee considers applications, Observer appointed 
• w/c 1 February 2025 - Observer induction to Deer Industry New Zealand 
• 26 February 2025 - Observer attends first meeting. 

Board Observer 2025 

The Applicants will be selected against the following Selection Criteria: 

1. Brings a valuable perspective to the deliberations of the DINZ Board. 
   Does the candidate demonstrate intellectual and emotional intelligence that would benefit Board deliberations.  Does the candidate bring a perspective that would differ from the predominate experience around the board table? 
2. Aspirations for leadership in the deer and/or broader agriculture sector 
   What previous experience can the applicant demonstrate that illustrates leadership in their community, the deer sector, or more broadly.  What is their personal vision for making a positive impact on New Zealand agriculture. 
3. Breadth of experience from outside the deer farming community
   What professional and personal skills and characteristics do they have which will allow them to actively participate in Board deliberations. 
4. Availability to contribute to the work of the DINZ Board. 
   The board will meet in person 6 times in 2025, plus members will be expected to attend industry events and farmer meetings.  Members will also be expected to participate in monthly videoconferences and attend out of session discussions as needed.  
5. Demonstration of career progression 
   Do they have relevant qualifications and experience?  Relevant means – pertaining to the work of Deer Industry New Zealand and could encompass production, processing, marketing or administration functions in agriculture, or related industries. In what way are they continuing to add to their personal and professional development.