New CoVE to deliver excellence in food and fibre sectors

54 organisations with expertise spanning across the entire food and fibre sector make up the new CoVe, a number that includes Ara Institute of Canterbury Ltd and other several education providers, who will be collaborating closely with relevant industry associations, tertiary providers, Māori, employers, employees, and standard-setting bodies.

The CoVe strategy is a key part of the Government’s Reform of Vocational Education and is funded by the Tertiary Education Commission.  

Food and Fibre CoVE Board Chair Dr Mark Paine stressed that the food and fibre industry is fundamental to New Zealand, with over 70 percent of the country’s export receipts coming from horticulture, agriculture, forestry and related industries. The inclusion of Ara recognizes Canterbury’s place as New Zealand’s largest and consistently high-performing agricultural region; one that contributes significantly to New Zealand’s reputation as global powerhouse of agricultural exports, agritech innovation and merino wool production.

Leonie Rasmussen, Manager of Ara Timaru said of the news “We are excited to be part of the Food and Fibre CoVE, and look forward to seeing the success that the consortium will achieve through working in unison.”

Board members and officials reiterated their commitment to sharing knowledge, enabling and coordinating industry-relevant projects, and tackling the challenges that the sector is facing, such as the ageing of the existing workforce and the challenges involved in attracting the next generation.

“The Food and Fibre CoVE will focus on three key areas; vocational excellence, attracting, retaining, and growing talent, and innovation in the workforce” said Dr. Mark Paine, demonstrating that the creation of a unified vocational education system that meets the needs of both learners and industry will be at the heart of the new CoVe.