By Kaarin Gaukrodger, Executive Director, Connexis
It was a delight to present at the recent Water Industry Operators Group (WIOG) conference, in partnership with WSP, sharing updates on the new suite of water qualifications.
The qualifications continue to progress through New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) approval, but I’m encouraged by the flexibility built into the new suite, with core components supported by optional strands in drinking water and wastewater, reflecting the diverse work environments and needs across the regions of New Zealand.
We acknowledge the industry involvement to date, which is critical to ensuring the new qualifications are grounded in real-world needs. The industry involvement continues with engagement on the next stages of programme delivery. I encourage you to get involved and share your knowledge to ensure the training delivery will meet industry needs. This could include joining the Water Services Working Group, providing targeted feedback, or even supporting the development of learning resources and assessments alongside a Connexis instructional designer. Contact us here to get involved: programmedevelopment@connexis.org.nz.
At WIOG, I also provided an update on the ongoing redesign of vocational education. Connexis is now, temporarily, a business division of the Energy & Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (EIISB), resulting from the upcoming disestablishment of Te Pūkenga. We continue to complete the necessary work to support our transition out of the EIISB.
In the meantime, as has been the case throughout the reform process over the last seven years, work-based training via Connexis remains business as usual.
Finally, congratulations to Hamish Meiklejohn, who is the Connexis Mentor of the Year for 2026