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Kelly Black Ruby McNab
Qualified arborist supports women in tree care

27 May 2026

With twenty years’ experience in tree care, Primary ITO-qualified arborist Kelly Black runs her own business and co-founded an initiative to support women working in the tree care industry.

Simon Croom
New General Manager passionate about people

6 May 2026

From milking cows on his grandad’s farm in England to empowering people to grow their skills and careers in New Zealand’s primary sector, Primary ITO's Simon Croom is passionate about people.  

Tawera Cutter
Sports turf apprentice off to Wimbledon

2 April 2026

Primary ITO apprentice Tawera Tito is embarking on the opportunity of a lifetime – joining the Wimbledon 2026 grounds team to prepare the courts for the prestigious tennis tournament kicking off in London, in June.

Jayden Lum 2 (1)
Pest training underpins conservation effort on Banks Peninsula

19 March 2026

Native birdsong echoing through regenerated bush and thriving ecosystems across Banks Peninsula is the aim of a local conservation trust, with the support of Primary ITO training.

Sarah Moorhouse - Earthworks
Building a career in landscape construction

2 March 2026

Primary ITO qualified landscaper Sarah Moorhouse loves working with the team at New Concept Landscaping to create attractive outdoor spaces that clients delight in.

Sheep, Beef
Shaping the future of work-based learning

19 February 2026

Industry employers have an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of work-based learning in the food and fibre industry over the next few months.

Ben Carter profile shot
Growing knowledge for a future in pork production

15 January 2026

North Otago pig farmer Ben Carter is one of the first graduates to complete the refreshed Primary ITO Pork Production training programme.

Dom Steenstra
Dom signs off after fifty-year career in horticulture

2 December 2025

After fifty years in horticulture and vocational education, Primary ITO Training Adviser Dom ‘the dominator’ Steenstra is retiring on 5 December to pursue retirement, or possibly a new career pathway.

Picture13
Gateway students kick-start their farming careers in Northland

26 November 2025

In a small rural community in North Hokianga, school students are learning practical skills and gaining valuable farming experience through the Primary ITO Gateway programme.

Cairnbrae Team reduced size
Growing the next generation of skills on Canterbury farm

19 November 2025

On the rolling Canterbury plains near Methven, the third and fourth generation of the Molloy family are working the land and growing the knowledge of their dairy farm staff with Primary ITO.