Te Māramatanga ki ngā Tukanga Tūhura: Insights to Actions
Tūhura: Insights to Actions - 20th and 21st August 2025, Te Papa, Wellington
Overview | Programme | Speakers | Venue | Get Tickets
The conversations that will shape the future of vocational education are happening here. Will you be in the room?
Event Details:
- Wednesday 20 August | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday 21 August | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (followed by lunch)
- Te Papa, Oceania Room, Wellington
This is not just another industry event—it’s where findings become action. Tūhura: Te Māramatanga ki ngā Tukanga – Insights to Actions is your chance to be part of a gathering that will define the future of vocational education in Aotearoa’s construction and infrastructure sectors.
ConCOVE has been at the forefront of research and innovation, and this flagship event is our opportunity to share the latest research and the steps you can take to create change where it matters the most: in workplaces, training providers, and policy development.
Why you need to be here:
- See the future, first. Gain first access to research findings from 15+ ConCOVE projects and workstreams, tackling the biggest challenges in vocational education in our sector.
- Real-world impact. Learn how our research is already driving change—inside organisations, across policy, and in training programmes.
- Be part of something bigger. As ConCOVE’s funding nears its conclusion, this is your last chance to be part of embedding the findings that will shape the industry for years to come.
This is where policymakers, industry leaders, training providers, government representatives and decision-makers come together to turn research into action, insights into impact, and ideas into a better future.
Are you ready to be part of the change?
Overview | Programme | Speakers | Venue | Get Tickets
Programme
Programme details may be updated and are subject to change.
Day 1 - Wednesday 20 August 2025
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8:30 am |
Registration Open |
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9:00 am |
Welcome and Introduction (15min) Maretha Smit (Master of Ceremonies) and Katherine Hall (Executive Director - ConCOVE) |
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9:15 am |
Opening address: Co-Chairs’ Vision for the Future (15min) |
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9:30 am |
Presentation - Turning Point: Transforming vocational pathways in Aotearoa New Zealand (15min)
Aotearoa New Zealand stands at a pivotal moment in reshaping vocational education to meet the future needs of learners, industry, and the nation. In this opening address, Katherine Hall will reflect on her leadership of ConCOVE Tūhura and the research insights generated over the past three years, and explore the system shifts needed to create equitable, future-focused pathways that truly serve learners, employers, and industry. This session sets the scene for the day — bold, evidence-informed, and focused on practical solutions to unlock the full potential of vocational education in Aotearoa. |
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9:45 am |
Panel Discussion - Reimaging funding: Building a sustainable future for Vocational Education (40min) Katherine Hall (Executive Director) - ConCOVE
Funding is a key lever in shaping a vocational education system that delivers for learners, employers, and industry. In this session, Katherine Hall is joined by an industry panel to discuss practical, system-compatible changes proposed in ConCOVE Tūhura’s new funding paper, authored by Brenden Mischewski and Roger Smyth. Together, the panel will explore how targeted adjustments can lift system performance without overhauling it. This is a timely conversation on how we make real, workable improvements that strengthen outcomes while supporting sector stability. |
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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 |
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10:30 am |
MORNING TEA (20min) |
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10:50 am |
Presentation - Data-driven decisions for a smarter future: Workforce Journey Indicators and ConstrucTrend (30min) Nina Herriman (Portfolio Manager - 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. |
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11:20 am |
Presentation - Pathways forward: Empowering Māori and Pasifika workforce futures (30min)
This session shares insights from a collaborative project by ConCOVE Tūhura, Amotai, and Poutama Trust, highlighting four high-growth opportunities for Māori and Pasifika-owned construction businesses: trenchless technologies, BIM, energy retrofits, and renewable energy installation. These areas offer clear potential for upskilling, higher-value work, and community impact. The session explores how vocational education can support incremental capability-building and unlock more inclusive, future-focused pathways across the sector. |
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11:50 am |
Presentation - Bringing it together: The Wai project in Wellington (20min)
Project Wai is an innovative training solution led by Ngāti Toa Rangatira to tackle critical water infrastructure skill shortages in Aotearoa. This session explores how Project Wai draws together ConCOVE’s research including vocational redesign, degree-level apprenticeships, and applied learning models to create a future-ready workforce grounded in Te Mana o te Wai and mātauranga Māori. Ngāti Toa will share their aspirations for vocational education centre of excellence that restores the mana of wai, creates skilled kaitiaki for our taiao, and transforms traditional training models. This is more than a training facility, it is a system reset. Learn what’s working, what’s possible, and how iwi-led leadership and inclusive design can shape more responsive, resilient vocational pathways for the Wellington region. |
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12:10 pm |
Panel Discussion - Degree Level Apprenticeships: Driving System change (40min) Brenden Mischewski - Chair
This session shares an update on ConCOVE Tūhura’s Degree-Level Apprenticeship (DLA) pilots — an initiative exploring how degree-level study can be integrated into apprenticeship pathways. |
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12:50 pm |
LUNCH (60min) |
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1:50pm |
Keynote Presentation (60min)
Economist and commentator Shamubeel Eaqub brings a sharp economic lens to one of New Zealand’s biggest challenges: low productivity in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Using ConCOVE’s Workforce Journey Indicators as a foundation, he challenges the system to respond with smarter investment in workforce development and vocational education. A timely, data-driven call to action — aligned with ConCOVE’s mission to build a future-ready, high-performing system. |
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2:50 pm |
Presentation - Supporting trainers: Tools, insights & best practice in action (40min)
This session showcases a suite of tools developed to support capability-building across the vocational education and training (VET) workforce. It introduces a national competency framework for training advisors, an onboarding kit for new Kaiako, and a sector-informed job description to guide recruitment and role clarity. Together, these resources aim to lift consistency, strengthen professional practice, and empower those who work directly with learners. Whether you're an education provider, WDC, or employer involved in training, this session offers practical insights and takeaways to help support and develop your training workforce. |
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3:30 pm |
Presentation - Beyond the tools: Supporting tradies to thrive as business owners (20min) Dr Kate Bryson, (Director and Principal Researcher) - Axon Consulting Limited
Many tradespeople transition from the tools into business ownership with little preparation — contributing to high failure rates among construction and infrastructure SMEs. This session presents early findings from ConCOVE’s Pathways to successful SMEs project, which maps the journey from technical expert to business owner to identify key intervention points. It examines how current industry and vocational education programmes support this shift, highlights gaps, and offers practical recommendations to improve outcomes. The session also explores opportunities for greater collaboration, clearer pathways, and the potential for new qualifications that support long-term success for tradies as business leaders. |
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3:50pm |
Connect & reflect (60min) |
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4:50 pm |
End of Day 1 |
Day 2 - Thursday 21 August 2025
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8:30 am |
Registration Open |
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9:00 am |
Welcome and Introduction (10min) |
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9:10 am |
Keynote Presentation - The next horizon: Future of vocational education (60min)
We are honoured to welcome Professor Barney Glover AO, Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia, as our international keynote speaker for Day Two of Tūhura – Insights to Actions. Professor Glover brings a rare depth of experience across tertiary education, workforce strategy, and public policy. In this keynote, he will share reflections from Australia’s national skills agenda — including how systems can respond to future workforce demands while remaining inclusive, agile, and aligned with industry. Drawing on his leadership roles across universities, government, and the emerging tertiary commission, he will offer insights relevant to Aotearoa’s ongoing reform journey. A must-attend session for anyone shaping the future of vocational education, training, and workforce development. |
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10:10 am |
Presentation - Vocational pathways in schools: Reimagining student futures (20min)
How can we strengthen vocational pathways in schools to better prepare students for meaningful futures in trades and infrastructure? This session shares findings from ConCOVE’s research into a fit-for-purpose vocational model for Years 12 and 13. It explores opportunities to align learning with industry needs, improve transitions into further training or employment, and offer students more purposeful, connected experiences — helping them see a clear and valuable future in vocational education. |
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10:30 am |
Presentation - Meeting the needs: Responsive support models in VET (20min)
Supporting learners in vocational education requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. This session explores what effective, needs-based support can look like across apprenticeship pathways — drawing on new thinking and early design work from Waihanga Ara Rau. From flexible pastoral support to culturally responsive mentoring, the session outlines practical opportunities to improve learner outcomes and system responsiveness. |
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10:50 am |
Video case study - Innovation in Action: Augmented Reality in Training (5min) |
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10:55 am |
MORNING TEA (30min) |
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11:25 am |
Presentation - Future-proofing assessment: AI-generated desigh for Vocational Education (20min)
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. |
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11:45 am |
Panel - Standing up: Resources for bystander intervention in vocational settings (20min)
Creating safe, inclusive learning and work environments means equipping people to step up when it matters. This session introduces new bystander intervention and allyship resources designed for vocational settings — tools that providers and employers can embed in their own organisations. Expect a practical conversation about how these tools can support a culture of safety, accountability, and mental wellbeing across the sector. |
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12:05 pm |
Presentation - Global Perspective: UNESCO (20min)
As Lead Expert for the UNESCO-UNEVOC BILT Expert Group, ConCOVE Tūhura is helping shape global thinking on how vocational education can respond to the major transitions of our time — greening, digitalisation, and migration. |
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12:20 pm |
Legacy and next steps: Embedding the work (15min)
Katherine Hall will close the event by sharing key insights from ConCOVE’s journey and outlining the practical toolkits and resources being handed over to the sector. This session will reinforce sector ownership and call on attendees to embed and champion the work moving forward. |
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1:15 pm |
LUNCH & Close |
Overview | Programme | Speakers | Venue | Get Tickets
Speakers
Maretha Smit MC | Shamubeel Eaqub | Professor Barney Glover AO | Katherine Hall | Eve Price | Dr Kate Bryson | Emmolina May | Karl Hartley | Brenden Mischewski | Hera Whaanga | Bianca Elkington | Koro Dickinson | Mike Crossan |
Maretha Smit - MC
Chief Executive - Diversity Works New Zealand
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“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
Chief Economist, Simplicity
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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
Commissioner, Jobs and Skills Australia
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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 Hall
Executive Director, ConCOVE Tūhura
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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 Price
Portfolio Manager, ConCOVE Tūhura
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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
Director and Principal Researcher - Axon Consulting Limited
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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
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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
Director of AI Learning Strategy - Epic Learning Ltd
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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 Mischewski
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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 Whaanga
Project Manager - Project Wai, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira
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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 Elkington
General Manager - Pataka Toa - Education Employment, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira
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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 Dickinson
Chief Executive Officer - Poutama Trust
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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
Strategic Adviser - Programme & Product Portfolio - Open Polytechnic
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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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Additional Speaker information coming soon!
Overview | Programme | Speakers | Venue | Get Tickets
Venue - Te Papa, Wellington
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa’s purpose-built event spaces allow guests to be immersed in the energy of our national museum.
The Oceania room is a spacious event space on Level 3, of Te Papa. See details below for information for travel to Te Papa.
Venue: Oceania room, Te Papa, 55 Cable Street, Wellington