Hanga-Aro-Rau is delighted to welcome Nick Sheppard to our Industry Stakeholder Group (ISG).

As the Head of Learning and Development at the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Nick has an extensive understanding of the cross-sector needs of the industries we support as well as the wider vocational education landscape.

As the Deputy Chief Executive – Schools and Performance – at MIT and UNITEC, Nick was seconded into a national position at Te Pūkenga before joining the EMA. He played a pivotal role in supporting the development of key strategic relationships as part of the previous Government’s Reform of Vocational Education.

His work focused on unifying network partners to achieve national goals and objectives. He designed and implemented national engagement strategies targeting critical stakeholders, including Workforce Development Councils, the Ministry of Education, and various regulatory authorities and national governing bodies.

Nick contributed to the development and rollout of a national structure for Vocational Education and Training by actively participating in national steering groups and supporting both the design and delivery of these initiatives.

Representing leadership at Te Pūkenga, Nick engaged with regional and national governance groups and steering committees, fostering strong relationships across the vocational education network. He understands the mahi from a frontline perspective, which makes him an invaluable addition to the ISG.

Along with his extensive experience in vocational education, Nick’s expertise in change management and financial acumen is complemented by his ability to foster strong stakeholder engagement and cultivate lasting relationships.

These skills will be vital as the ISG helps Hanga-Aro-Rau navigate through the Vocational Education and Training system redesign on the horizon for 2025.

Nau mai, haere mai Nick – A warm welcome to our Industry Stakeholder Group!