Primary ITO hosts Governor-General during Waikato Tour

Primary Industry Training Organisation hosts Governor-General during Waikato tour

The Governor-General of New Zealand, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, and Lady Janine Mateparae, met with Primary Industry Training Organisation (Primary ITO) trainees who are working to build the skills and knowledge they need to succeed through workplace training last week. Primary ITO facilitates industry training in the agriculture, horticulture, equine, water and sports turf sectors. Connected through primary production and shared use of the country’s natural resources - land, plants and water - the organisation provides high quality, relevant workplace qualifications, resulting in better business and better career opportunities and supporting the economic growth of New Zealand’s primary sector.

Primary ITO Chief Executive, Kevin Bryant, says “the Waikato region is central to our country’s primary industry – in particular, dairy farming.”

“It was brilliant to have Governor-General and Lady Janine witness the hard work that primary industry employees are investing in their education; ensuring they have the skills they need to do the best job possible for their career, their workplace and the primary industry as a whole.”

The Governor-General and Lady Janine visited Windsor Park Stud in Cambridge where they met owner Rodney Schick. They chatted with apprentice jockeys, harness racing and horse breeding trainees from the region who are currently undertaking Primary ITO equine qualifications.

Virginia Tocher, Primary ITO equine training adviser says, “the visit provided much excitement among equine employers and trainees who thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Governor General and Lady Janine. It was also a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the equine industry to Sir Jerry and Lady Janine.”

The visit then then continued to Stephen and Sheree Field’s dairy farm in Ohaupo. Stephen and Sheree have encouraged and supported many of their employees through Primary ITO training.

Waikato Primary ITO training adviser Eleri Williams works closely with trainees and employers, specifically in the agricultural sector, providing ongoing support and advice throughout their journey.

“It was an honour to host the Governor-General and Lady Janine in the Waikato. Having the opportunity to showcase what is happening in terms of developing the skills of our people at a grassroots level was such a positive experience. All our Waikato trainees and employers thoroughly enjoyed the day, and we hope the Governor-General and Lady Janine did too,” Eleri says.

To enrol or for more information about Primary ITO’s qualifications, contact your local Primary ITO adviser on 0800 691 111.

About Primary ITO
On the 1st of October 2012, the Agriculture and Horticulture ITOs were merged to form the Primary Industry Training Organisation. The Primary ITO is also responsible for Water Industry Training, Equine Industry Training and NZ Sports Turf training making it one of the largest ITOs in New Zealand.

Primary ITO provides leadership in education and training, develops national qualifications, maintains national standards and provides ongoing support for their trainees and employers. Primary ITO training is subsidised by industry and Government.

For more information on Primary ITO please go to www.primaryito.ac.nz and for more information on AgITO qualifications please go to www.agito.ac.nz

ENDS

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