More than 200 industry, government and education representatives have attended MITO New Zealand’s inaugural Industry Summit and Awards at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre.
The September 1 event brought together employers, learners and industry leaders for discussions on economics, future workforce trends, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, leadership and performance.
MITO chairperson Sturrock Saunders says the summit was designed to bring industry together to exchange ideas, celebrate achievement and consider future workforce needs.
“MITO’s Industry Summit is about bringing industry together with ambition and purpose-to exchange bold thinking, celebrate achievement, look ahead, and importantly, to uplift and acknowledge the vital work our industries do for New Zealand.
“Above all, we want to work together to continue shaping the future workforce our industries need to thrive.”
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones delivered a keynote address on the contribution MITO’s industries make to the New Zealand economy and the role of industry training in developing the future workforce.
Speakers included Infometrics chief executive and principal economist Brad Olsen, business and leadership coach David Galbraith, Rewiring Aotearoa chief executive Mike Casey and engineer and technologist Dr Michelle Dickinson.
Inspiring Futures Foundation trustee Lee Marshall also announced a $700,000 grant to fully fund its MITO scholarship programme over the next two years, allowing the programme to expand as employers and learners face increased funding and cost pressures.
“The IFF is proud to be sponsoring a record number of MITO scholarships, especially at a time where the youth unemployment rate is the highest it has been for some decades and yet the shortage of skilled trades people is acute across the industries that MITO serves.
“Each scholarship removes or reduces a barrier to the next generation entering the workforce-and that’s exactly what the IFF exists to do,” Marshall says.
New Zealand rally driver and MITO ambassador Emma Gilmour also spoke about encouraging young people into industry careers and the importance of training.
“I’ve seen throughout my own career what a difference it makes when someone believes in you and gives you an opportunity.
“Our industries need to keep doing that for the next generation – investing in their training, developing their skills, and showing them the fantastic careers available.”
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour opened the inaugural MITO Industry Awards later in the day, recognising individuals and organisations involved in industry training and workforce development.
MITO chief executive Verna Niao says the winners represent talent ranging from established industry leaders to people beginning their careers.
“This year’s winners showcase the outstanding talent within MITO’s industries – from highly successful leaders to those just beginning their careers. Their achievements are inspiring, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for them.”
The MITO Training Business of the Year award went to The Tranzit Group, which has worked with MITO since registering its first learner in 1993 and currently has 20 staff completing MITO qualifications.
The MITO Inclusive Training Business of the Year was awarded to AMI MotorHub for its approach to supporting learners from a range of backgrounds into automotive apprenticeships and career pathways.
The MITO Supervisor of the Year award went to Tavita Fa’amausili of Omexom Limited, who has around 26 years of industry experience and was recognised for training and mentoring workers across the company’s gas workforce.
The MITO Secondary School of the Year award went to Ashburton College, while McCarthy Transport Ltd was named MITO LTSC Training Company of the Year for its approach to safety and workforce development in log transport.
The MITO Learner of the Year winners were:
- Learner of the Year – Automotive: Reuben Halliday, Terra Cat NZ
- Learner of the Year – Collision Repair: Jet Te Aho
- Learner of the Year – Commercial Road Transport: Daniel Ludlow, Booths Logistics
- Learner of the Year – Extractives: Jakob Stassen, Hatuma Lime Company Ltd
- Learner of the Year – Drilling: Zane O’Gorman, Griffiths Drilling
- Learner of the Year – Gas: Kristian Larsen, Omexom
The MITO Lifetime Achievement Award for Industry Training went to Dave Pardoe for more than five decades of work across New Zealand’s forestry, transport and vocational training sectors. His work has included developing nationally recognised transport qualifications and contributing to the Tairāwhiti Road Transport Programme and Drive35.
The MITO Chairperson’s Award was presented to Bob Boniface, recognising more than 60 years of contribution to the automotive and collision repair industries.
Boniface’s career has included business ownership and industry governance, including former roles on the MITO Inc Board and as president and chair of the Motor Trade Association. As owner of Auckland Panel and Paint Group, he has also supported apprenticeships, workplace training and the Inspiring Futures Foundation.
