Navigating challenges and shaping our future

Like many others, we have felt the impact of the tough economic environment. Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to fully meet our commitments to engage the number of ākonga (learners) we had hoped for. This has led us to take the challenging step of downsizing the organisation to better reflect our financial reality and ensure long-term sustainability. Unfortunately, this has meant saying goodbye to some extraordinary team members—people who have made significant contributions to the success of Skills Active and, more recently, to Te Mahi Ako as we transitioned to a Private Training Establishment (PTE). Their dedication and impact will always be a part of our journey, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for everything they have achieved.

As we move into 2025, we do so with a strong team, reshaping the organisation to better meet the needs of our ākonga, clients, and industries. We congratulate those stepping into new roles and taking on additional responsibilities through these changes. Their leadership and focus will help drive our future success.

To continue delivering quality education that aligns with our strategic goals, we have also had to make some tough decisions about our programme offerings. The government’s funding priorities do not currently support the high-value, low-volume programmes that have been an integral part of Te Mahi Ako’s delivery. Sector-wide changes—such as working holiday visa restrictions and reduced apprenticeship support—have further highlighted the need to focus our resources where they will have the greatest impact on ākonga and industries.

Our vision remains clear: to support all people and workplaces with the skills and knowledge to thrive, achieve their ambitions, and make a meaningful impact. We will continue to enliven Te Tiriti o Waitangi and authentically weave mātauranga Māori into our offerings, resonating with our stakeholders.

In the coming days, we will communicate directly with workplaces, ākonga, and assessors about how these changes will affect their engagement with Te Mahi Ako. We are committed to ensuring this process is as smooth and supportive as possible for everyone involved.

As CEO, I want to acknowledge both the hurdles we face and the opportunities that lie ahead. The steps we have taken have not been easy, but they are essential to ensuring we can continue to serve with purpose and deliver on our mission. I am deeply grateful to those leaving us for their invaluable contributions, and I have full confidence in the team’s strength and determination as we move forward.

The future holds opportunities to innovate and refine our work, ensuring we continue to deliver education that supports our ākonga and industries to thrive. Together, we will adapt, grow, and build on the strong foundations that support our future.

Ka kaha ake mā te tū ngātahi - we are stronger together

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