Growth through skills

This programme of action supports the National Skills Strategy and the evolving
Regional Skills Action Plan. It focuses on expanding and improving our regional
skill base to drive productivity growth, increase wealth, enhance social equity
and provide meaningful employment across the region that contributes to the
sustainable development of the region. 

Significant initiative

Growth through skills features an upskilling programme to support workers to develop the language, literacy, numeracy and communications skills needed in the modern workplace. Actions that will be delivered to meet this priority will focus on workplace based training programmes developed in partnership with critical industry sectors such as manufacturing. 

Connected initiatives

Specific programmes will be developed which address barriers for migrants in accessing work that is suited to their skills and qualifications and the needs of specific groups in the workforce. Auckland has identified priority groups as being Mäori and Pacific peoples who are a significant section of the workforce, with 67% of Pacific peoples and 25% of Mäori living in the Auckland region (2006 Census).

A new approach to workplace productivity will be tested through mechanisms that enable closer engagement with small to medium enterprises.

Improving management and leadership capability in organisations to develop and use skills is a priority within the region

A management capability pilot project will target the manufacturing industry and the potential for developing a similar project for the information, communications and technology industry will be explored.

Creating a better match between workers' skills and industry and regional needs will be addressed

The marine and digital sectors have been identified by the region as having potential for economic transformation, and will feature in the Auckland Skills Strategy Action Plan. A regional labour market information and analysis system/hub will be developed to help key stakeholders in the region understand the importance of skills development, skills shortages and gaps, and how to address them.

The Rugby World Cup in 2011 will require government and regional coordination to respond to the associated labour market needs, and to maximise the benefit of the event. That work will be addressed through the regional skills action plan.

Increase the skills of young people in the workforce

Skill Auckland has been designed to improve students' career choices in priority industries by profiling the skills required and the pathways to jobs. It aims to develop the skills of young people by supporting them into work in priority industries.

Funding and timelines

Central Government has made a significant contribution to the Language, Literacy and Numeracy programme in the 2008 budget for the National Skills Strategy. Auckland will be prioritised under this initiative, but the exact allocations are not able to be determined as projects will be established progressively through partnerships to be developed at a regional level. The national programme budget is approximately $165 million from 2008 through to 2012.


It is proposed that relevant agencies from central government, local government and the private sector work together over the coming months to develop the Auckland Skills Strategy Action Plan 2008-2009 to the point where it is ready for implementation. This will be coordinated within the Growth Through Skills programme.

Partner agencies

Regional government: Auckland RegionalCouncil
Central government: Department of Labour, Te Puni Kökiri, Tertiary Education Commission, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Ministry of Social Development.
Other partner agencies: Business New Zealand, Chamber of Commerce, Committee for Auckland, Employers and Manufacturers Association, Industry Training Federation, local economic development agencies, New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, training bodies and unions

Supporting Documents