About Us
Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council is one of six Workforce Development Councils established as part of the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE).
Through RoVE, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a strong, unified, and sustainable vocational education system that is fit for the future of work and delivers the skills that learners, employers and communities need to thrive.
As a key part of the future of vocational education in Aotearoa, we aim to partner with the industry, Māori and iwi businesses, and other collaborators to deliver on the four key promises of RoVE, which aim to build a vocational education system that:
- honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supports Māori-Crown relationships
- is industry-led
- is regionally responsive, accessible, and relevant
- demonstrates excellence in vocational education.
Our name ‘Ringa Hora’ is made up of the words ’ringa’ meaning ‘hands’, and ‘hora’ meaning ‘spread out’ and, in this case, facing upwards. ‘Ringa Hora’ – the upturned, outspread hands, symbolises manaakitanga which is fundamental to and pervades the whole Service sector.
Our role is to channel and amplify the voice of the Service sector within the vocational education system by providing investment advice to the Tertiary Education Commission, as well as setting standards, developing qualifications and helping shape the curriculum of vocational education. We will partner with the industry, highlighting their needs and advocating on their behalf to affect system changes. Our aim is to support Service industries to tackle skill shortages, adjust to the future of work, build a strong skills base, and have the right training available at the right time.
