scholarly journals Apprenticing Our Future: Is the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme the Answer to Skills Shortages?

1970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne De Bruin ◽  
Paul Spoonley ◽  
Eva McLaren ◽  
Patrick Baron
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Apprenticeship Training ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
Skills Shortages ◽  
Recent Policy ◽  
Skill Shortages ◽  
New Strategies

Despite the recent slow-down of economic activity in New Zealand, serious skill shortages continue and are among the most severe in the OECD. In particular, the large and enduring trades-skill gap is well documented, not only in the New Zealand context but also globally. Recent policy measures, such as the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme, have been welcomed but are only a small step forward in addressing what appears to be an ongoing skills crisis in the traditional trades sector. New Zealand employers remain generally pessimistic that these measures will adequately address the skills deficit, in the short as well as longer term. Systematic barriers remain and the apprenticeship system is constrained and problematic. This paper draws on qualitative data from two studies of employers conducted under the auspices of the interdisciplinary, FRST-funded Labour Market Dynamics Research Programme. It examines the issues, challenges and solutions for enhancing apprenticeship training and ensuring a steady pop-line growth of apprentices in New Zealand. The experiences of employers inform recommendations for training providers, industry organisations and policy agencies in order that they might adapt existing and adopt new strategies to respond to skills shortages via the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme. National good practice is also highlighted.

scholarly journals Age Trends in the New Zealand and Australian Trades Workforce 1991 to 2001

1970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Haig
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Significant Issue ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Migration Patterns ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Trends ◽  
Age Profile ◽  
Skills Shortages ◽  
Employment Data ◽  
Skill Shortages

This paper reports on an investigation into the age profile of New Zealand trade workers. The research was undertaken after trades employers identified that ageing trends alongside skill shortages were a significant issue for their business future. The paper compares the age profile of NZ trades workers with the age profile of both the general NZ working population and that of Australian trades workers, drawing on occupational employment data from New Zealand and Australian censuses. It also looks at migration patterns among trade workers in New Zealand. The paper notes that New Zealand has been less effective than Australia in attraction, training or retaining young people in trades and this is a prime reason the New Zealand trade workforce was ageing faster than the Australian trade workforce in the '90s. The findings suggest that, as New Zealand already faces skills shortages in some trades, there is a risk that age-related attrition will add to this in the coming years.

scholarly journals A Good Worker is Hard to Find: The Determinants of Skills Shortages in New Zealand Firms

1970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoff Mason ◽  
Penny Mok ◽  
Peter Nunns ◽  
Phillip Stevens ◽  
Jason Timmins
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Probit Models ◽  
Market Focus ◽  
Skills Shortages ◽  
D Investment ◽  
Skill Shortages

This paper investigates the determinants of firms’ external skill shortages – that is, vacancies that are hard to fill for skill­related reasons. This paper utilises a specially­designed survey, the Business Strategy and Skills (BSS) module of the Business Operations Survey 2008 (BOS 2008). We estimate the determinants of firms reporting having vacancies and skill shortage in comparison to the non­skill­related vacancies using probit models and two­stage (Heckman) probit models with selection, to enable us to distinguish between those factors related with the firm posting a vacancy and those that make them difficult to fill. We consider a broad suite of variables, including firm’s size and industry, their market focus, R&D investment, innovation, previous performance (e.g. productivity), the degree of competition they are subject to.

Automatic Milking Systems: an option to address the labour shortage on New Zealand dairy farms?

2002 ◽  
pp. 39-43
Author(s):  
J.G. Jago ◽  
M.W. Woolford
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Dairy Industry ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Labour Shortage ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
Grazing Systems ◽  
Automatic Milking Systems

There is a growing shortage of labour within the dairy industry. To address this the industry needs to attract more people and/or reduce the labour requirements on dairy farms. Current milk harvesting techniques contribute to both the labour requirements and the current labour shortage within the industry as the process is labour-intensive and necessitates long and unsociable working hours. Automated milking systems (AMS) have been in operation, albeit on a small scale, on commercial farms in Europe for a decade and may have the potential to address labour issues within the New Zealand dairy industry. A research programme has been established (The Greenfield Project) which aims to determine the feasibility of automated milking under New Zealand dairying conditions. A Fullwoods MERLIN AMS has been installed on a protoype farmlet and is successfully milking a small herd of 41 cows. Progress from the prototype Greenfields system offers considerable potential for implementing AMS in extensive grazing systems. Keywords: automated milking systems, dairy cattle, grazing, labour

scholarly journals Implementing healthy food environment policies in New Zealand: nine years of inaction

2022 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Mackay ◽  
Sarah Gerritsen ◽  
Fiona Sing ◽  
Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽  
Boyd Swinburn
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Stimulate Action ◽  
National Governments ◽  
Implementation Gaps

Abstract Background The INFORMAS [International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Research, Monitoring and Action Support] Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) was developed to evaluate the degree of implementation of widely recommended food environment policies by national governments against international best practice, and has been applied in New Zealand in 2014, 2017 and 2020. This paper outlines the 2020 Food-EPI process and compares policy implementation and recommendations with the 2014 and 2017 Food-EPI. Methods In March–April 2020, a national panel of over 50 public health experts participated in Food-EPI. Experts rated the extent of implementation of 47 “good practice” policy and infrastructure support indicators compared to international best practice, using an extensive evidence document verified by government officials. Experts then proposed and prioritized concrete actions needed to address the critical implementation gaps identified. Progress on policy implementation and recommendations made over the three Food-EPIs was compared. Results In 2020, 60% of the indicators were rated as having “low” or “very little, if any” implementation compared to international benchmarks: less progress than 2017 (47%) and similar to 2014 (61%). Of the nine priority actions proposed in 2014, there was only noticeable action on one (Health Star Ratings). The majority of actions were therefore proposed again in 2017 and 2020. In 2020 the proposed actions were broader, reflecting the need for multisectoral action to improve the food environment, and the need for a mandatory approach in all policy areas. Conclusions There has been little to no progress in the past three terms of government (9 years) on the implementation of policies and infrastructure support for healthy food environments, with implementation overall regressing between 2017 and 2020. The proposed actions in 2020 have reflected a growing movement to locate nutrition within the wider context of planetary health and with recognition of the social determinants of health and nutrition, resulting in recommendations that will require the involvement of many government entities to overcome the existing policy inertia. The increase in food insecurity due to COVID-19 lockdowns may provide the impetus to stimulate action on food polices.

scholarly journals Animals and social work: An emerging field of practice for Aotearoa New Zealand

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 24-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Walker ◽  
Jenny Aimers ◽  
Claire Perry
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Social Work Educators ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Human Animal Bond ◽  
Human Animal

Social work is traditionally human-centered in practice, even though for many the bond between humans and animals is the most fundamental of daily-lived experiences. The intent of this paper is to reflect on the predominant humanistic basis of social work and to consider the growing evidence for developing a wider perspective to incorporate the human-animal connection into social work practice. Joanne Emmens (2007:9) observes that the human-animal bond is considered by some as ‘…too mainstream (in the sense of being lightweight, cliché or sentimental), or as not mainstream enough…as substantial material worthy of study.’ In this article we argue that the human-animal bond is neither sentimental nor fringe and that our attitudes toward this relationship is based on a construction of western thought. To support this we offer a review of literature that provides evidence of good practice that can move social work beyond a purely humanistic approach to a more holistic view resulting in a more comprehensive toolkit for practice. We explore the literature and practice surrounding the place of animals in social work, both in New Zealand and internationally. In addition, we identify some of the ways the human-animal bond is currently utilised in rehabilitation, therapy, as animal assistants and as an indicator of domestic violence within New Zealand. We argue that this area of research and practice is highly relevant for social work as evidence-based practice. The paper con- cludes by offering some suggestions for discussion within the social work profession, and considerations for social work educators, researchers and theorists. 

scholarly journals Safety in New Zealand weed biocontrol a nationwide pathogen survey for impacts on nontarget plants

2009 ◽  
Vol 62 ◽  
pp. 41-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.W. Waipara ◽  
J. Barton ◽  
L.A. Smith ◽  
H.M. Harman ◽  
C.J. Winks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Host Range ◽  
Plant Pathogens ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Disease Symptoms ◽  
Weed Biocontrol ◽  
Disease Surveys ◽  
Rubus Species ◽  
Disease Damage ◽  
Range Testing

The accuracy of host range testing in weed biocontrol programmes using plant pathogens has been questioned prompting a research programme into the field safety record of pathogens used for weed biocontrol in New Zealand Nationwide disease surveys were conducted from 20002009 and focused on species closely related to target weeds and therefore potentially most at risk of attack These surveys identified pathogens associated with any disease symptoms observed on nontarget hosts Disease damage attributable to biocontrol agents was observed on two nontarget plants Pustules of the blackberry rust Phragmidium violaceum were found on the endemic Rubus species R cissoides (bush lawyer tataramoa) at one location This result was predicted from host range safety tests conducted prior to its arrival in New Zealand No nontarget damage was observed in the remaining case studies confirming to date that all biocontrol pathogens are highly host specific to their target weeds

scholarly journals A Solutions to 'Too Few' Working Down on the Farm - The Human Capability in Agriculture and Horticulture Initiative

1970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupert S Tipples
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Primary Industry ◽  
Skills Shortage ◽  
The Future ◽  
Human Capability ◽  
Skills Shortages

This paper des cribes and analyses how a labour and skills shortage in agriculture (used in the generic and inclusive sense) emerged here in New Zealand towards the end of the twentieth century and how it has been responded to by the industry and government. It delineates a collaborative response to a type of problem affecting many sectors of the New Zealand economy at the present time. A serendipitous conjunction of improved industry economics, productive policy provision, and ministerial and industry will facilitated the creation of a new pan primary industry organisation with the somewhat unwieldy title Human Capability in Agriculture and Horticulture. A picture of what happened has been built up using a range of methodologies (historical- both documentary and oral; case studies; participant observation: and action research) to explain what led to its formation and sub sequent progress. Prospects for the future are reviewed with a view to isolating critical features which may be of benefit to other industries experiencing similar labour and skills shortages.

Dairy cow welfare: the role of research and development in addressing increasing scrutiny

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 924 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Fisher ◽  
J. R. Webster
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Dairy Management ◽  
Animal Management ◽  
Cow Welfare

Pasture-based dairying in New Zealand and Australia has come under increasing animal welfare scrutiny as a result of changing public expectations for farm animal management. Concurrently, efficiency-driven changes in dairy management practices and a broadening of the feedbase beyond traditionally grazed pasture have resulted in increased intensification and stocking density within the dairy industries. This intensification has included a higher proportion of grain concentrates in the diet (particularly in Australia), and the greater management of cows off pasture and even in housing (particularly in New Zealand). Research to assess the animal welfare implications of these changes and to recommend good practice management has concentrated on issues of cow environments and cow feeding, including body condition. Research has shown that cows may be managed for a few hours per day on concrete surfaces without compromising their lying behaviour and other indicators of welfare, but that longer periods off pasture require the provision of a well drained and comfortable lying surface. Other research has defined the extremes of hot and cold/wet conditions beyond which cows benefit from provision of adequate shade and shelter. Research on cow body condition has indicated that welfare responses are aligned with measures of health and productivity in supporting the need to maintain a minimum body condition before calving and during the subsequent weight loss period of early lactation. Continued research, extension and industry adoption will enable dairy producers to address community expectations as they continue to change their farming practices.

Improving Data Quality in Health Care

2010 ◽  
pp. 1877-1881
Author(s):  
Karolyn Kerr ◽  
Tony Norris
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Data Quality ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
The Right ◽  
Data Collections ◽  
And Control ◽  
Care Demands

The increasingly information intensive nature of health care demands a proactive and strategic approach to data quality to ensure the right information is available to the right person at the right time in the right format. The approach must also encompass the rights of the patient to have their health data protected and used in an ethical way. This article describes the principles to establish good practice and overcome practical barriers that define and control data quality in health data collections and the mechanisms and frameworks that can be developed to achieve and sustain quality. The experience of a national health data quality project in New Zealand is used to illustrate the issues.

Improving Data Quality in Health Care

2011 ◽  
pp. 218-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolyn Kerr ◽  
Tony Norris
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Data Quality ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
The Right ◽  
Data Collections ◽  
And Control ◽  
Care Demands

The increasingly information intensive nature of health care demands a proactive and strategic approach to data quality to ensure the right information is available to the right person at the right time in the right format. The approach must also encompass the rights of the patient to have their health data protected and used in an ethical way. This article describes the principles to establish good practice and overcome practical barriers that define and control data quality in health data collections and the mechanisms and frameworks that can be developed to achieve and sustain quality. The experience of a national health data quality project in New Zealand is used to illustrate the issues.

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