Te Māramatanga ki ngā Tukanga Tūhura: Insights to Actions

9:15 am 

Opening address: Co-Chairs’ Vision for the Future (15min)

Phil Hokianga (Co-Chair) - ConCOVE

10:25 am 

Cook brother Case study video (5min)

This short video showcases the successful Cook Brothers Apprentice Academy — a tailored, employer-led initiative supporting apprentice development through structured mentoring, strong culture, and on-the-job learning. A real-world example of what good looks like in practice

11:00 am

Presentation - Data-driven decisions for a smarter future: Workforce Journey Indicators and ConstrucTrend (30min)

Nina Herriman (Portfolio Manager - ConCOVE)

George Makapatama (Deputy Director- ConCOVE)

Better data means better decisions. This session explores how two ConCOVE Tūhura tools — Workforce Journey Indicators and the ConstrucTrend survey — are helping the construction and infrastructure sectors to make smarter, evidence-based choices.

From tracking learner pathways to understanding workforce trends, these tools are designed to drive innovation, inform policy, and support a more responsive, future-focused system. Hear from industry and education leaders on how data is shaping real change.

3:15 pm

Presentation - Future-proofing assessment: AI-generated desigh for Vocational Education (20min)
Karl Hartley, Director of AI Learning Strategy - Epic Learning Ltd

How can we future-proof assessment in vocational education using artificial intelligence? This session shares insights from ConCOVE Tūhura’s pilot project exploring the use of AI to generate high-quality, personalised assessments aligned to New Zealand’s standards-based system.

Centred on the Trades Essentials micro-credential, the project examines whether AI can meet moderation and industry expectations while offering adaptable, engaging tools for diverse learners, and considerably reducing the time to market. Join us to explore how this emerging approach could address current system challenges and help build a more responsive, scalable, and future-ready VET system.

10:40 am 

Video case study - Innovation in Action: Augmented Reality in Training (5min)

11:15 am

People power: The employer toolkit for engaging apprentices (15min)
Allen + Clarke 

“Maretha is the Chief Executive of Diversity Works New Zealand, having taken up this role right in the middle of the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.  She has a background and qualifications in behavioural and business sciences and has held various transformational executive roles in South Africa, prior to her immigration to New Zealand, eight years ago. She has a strong commitment to issues of social cohesion and a deep understanding of the way in which intersectional layers of prejudice have an impact on employment outcomes.”

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Shamubeel Eaqub is an influential economist who makes the complexities of economics both easy and engaging. Currently, he serves as the Chief Economist at Simplicity, bringing over two decades of experience.

His career has seen him contribute his expertise at leading institutions, including ANZ Bank, Goldman Sachs JBWere, NZIER, Sense Partners, and now Simplicity.

An alumnus of Lincoln University, he graduated with Honours in Economics and is also a CFA Charterholder. Beyond his professional role, Shamubeel is an accomplished author and a frequent voice in media, known for his insightful commentary on economic and social issues in New Zealand. His published works include influential books such as Growing Apart: Regional Prosperity in New Zealand and co-authored titles like Generation Rent and The New Zealand Economy: An Introduction, which highlight critical issues affecting the nation.

He balances a dynamic portfolio that spans consulting, public speaking, governance, and family life. Residing in Auckland with his wife and two sons, Shamubeel remains a thought leader who brings clarity and accessibility to the world of economics.

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Professor Barney Glover AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) began his five-year term as Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia in 2024.

Professor Glover is a distinguished academic leader, an accomplished mathematician and mathematics educator with significant experience in developing strong relationships with the vocational education sector. He is well respected for his engagement with First Nations Australians and disadvantaged communities.

He was Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University for ten years, from 2014-24, and in 2019 was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to tertiary education, professional associations and cultural organisations. In 2015, Professor Glover was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor for his outstanding leadership whilst Vice-Chancellor of Charles Darwin University from 2009 to 2013. Professor Glover was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor and an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Western Sydney University in 2024 in recognition of his decade of leadership. 

Professor Glover has served on the boards of a diverse range of corporate organisations and several state and national centres covering areas such as health and medical research, energy, mineral exploration, and telecommunications.

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Katherine joined ConCOVE Tūhura in May 2022 after two years with the Construction Sector Accord at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. At the Accord, Katherine led the People Development workstream and its five initiatives, including building a Construction Diversity Roadmap and skills strategy. She holds a Master’s in Technological Futures via Tech Futures Lab and has spent time studying design thinking at Stanford University.

Katherine is no stranger to vocational education and has worked for two major industry training organisations before the Reform of Vocational Education. Katherine has also worked in the industry and still declares "her safety boots to be the comfiest footwear I own".

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Eve Prince has been a migrant her whole life and grew up bilingual and bicultural. This has shaped Eve's world view and life experiences, leading to a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.

Eve worked in adult education for her whole career, both overseas and in New Zealand. From ESOL, to settlement, and most recently vocational education and training, Eve has taken the key themes of developing people, growing participation, and reducing barriers to her role at ConCOVE. With first-hand experience in both teaching and delivery, and qualification and standard development, Eve has a broad and deep understanding of the needs and solutions available to help industry and individuals.

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Dr Kate Bryson is a Social Psychologist who has spent the best part of the last decade researching mental health and wellbeing in the construction industry. She pretends to be a farmer on a small lifestyle block in Horowhenua with her teenage son and a collection of farm animals.

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Emmolina May is a registered Quantity Surveyor and adjudicator with extensive experience across multiple sectors. As NZIQS Education Chair and a construction educator, she brings professional insight from active industry practice into the classroom. She is currently leading NZ’s first QS apprenticeship pilot, advancing practical, inclusive, and industry-focused education in the construction sector.

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Karl Hartley is Director of AI Learning Strategy at Epic Learning Ltd, specialising in AI-driven assessment creation and personalisation for vocational education. With 20+ years in digital learning and over 10 years developing NZQA assessments, Karl's focus is on unlocking AI's potential for everyone.

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Brenden has over twenty years of experience in policy, operational policy, and investment, mainly in education, health and research. He is keenly interested in improving public services for underserved populations and bridging the boundaries between the actors in these systems.  

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Hera is the Project Manager for Project Wai. She leads workforce development initiatives that bridge rangatahi into sustainable careers.

Hera brings deep expertise in Māori employment solutions, system design, and stakeholder collaboration. Her work is grounded in manaakitanga, innovation, and restoring the role of whānau and whenua in vocational education.

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Bianca is the General Manager of Education and Employment at Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, with a strong passion for and experience in innovating education to better serve Māori communities. She is currently completing her PhD at the University of Otago, researching the impact of iwi education systems on Māori achievement.

Raised in Takapūwāhia, Bianca brings lived experience, strategic insight, and a bold commitment to system change. She works within existing structures to reimagine them, leading kaupapa Māori, place-based solutions that restore rangatiratanga and create enduring, equitable pathways for whānau.

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Koro (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Māmoe, Ngāi Tahu) is CEO of Poutama Trust, a producer, former diplomat, and governance leader. He holds degrees in Commerce, Political Studies, and an MBA. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, he remains deeply connected to Murihiku and serves across kaupapa Māori, creative, and public sectors.

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Mike Crossan is a Strategic Adviser - Programme & Product Portfolio at the Open Polytechnic, he has held GM roles in a WDC, an ITO, a learning design company and a PTE. He has been in the tertiary education sector for 23 years starting out as an Automotive tutor.

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Phil is a Co-Chair of ConCOVE. He is currently a director of Vertical Horizonz New Zealand, a Private Training Organisation, for the last 18 years.  The company delivers tertiary qualifications throughout New Zealand.

Phil comes from a military background, completed 23 years of service in the NZ Army. Phil supports Iwi aspirations and is currently a director for Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust and Toitu Tairawhiti Housing Limited. He has two advisory roles with Offsite Onsite Strategic Reference Group and Te Waihanga Infrastructure Commission.  

He is committed to developing innovative training pathways that provide real training that saves and changes lives. 

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With over 20 years of strategy development and programme management experience in public and private sectors in New Zealand, the UK and Europe, Neil specialises in organisational strategy, large scale transformation, governance, and co-design.

In the past five years, Neil has created a niche capability in the codesign of data governance frameworks, democratizing data so that information flows to and insights are shared with those who need it most.

Neil bridges the gap between strategic intent, decision flows, and operational delivery, i.e. ‘getting it done’.  He is adept at crafting compelling arguments about the right strategies and interventions for board-level consideration, backed up by evidence and how to deliver on ‘the promise’ through the creation of governance frameworks and the application of project disciplines.  In addition to hands-on engagement, design and delivery, Neil is a coach and mentor to Senior Responsible Officers and Programme Managers.

His current roles include Independent Chair and board member governing a major transformation programme for a Crown Entity.  

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