Training and careers

Training with Primary ITO

Primary ITO is committed to helping New Zealand’s deer industry grow skilled, capable people through practical, on-the-job training.

Working with Deer Industry New Zealand, Primary ITO offers work-based training to help farmers develop their teams, build confidence and improve on-farm skills. From new farm staff through to managers, there are options to suit different roles and career stages.

Training options

Whether you're bringing new staff into the industry or helping experienced team members take the next step, Primary ITO has training options to support your people and your business.

Getting started on farm – Level 2 and 3

New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Agriculture) – Level 2

A great starting point for new team members. Build essential skills in health and safety, livestock handling, animal health, fencing and general farm work.

New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Meat & Fibre) – Level 3

Ideal for farm assistants, and general staff with some on-farm experience. Develop practical skills in livestock feeding, animal health and biosecurity, mating, young stock and other seasonal farming activities.

Developing experienced staff – Level 4

New Zealand Apprenticeship in Agriculture – Breeding Livestock Farming (Level 4)

Designed for experienced staff progressing into stock or block management roles. Develop the skills to take greater responsibility for livestock health, breeding, feeding, farm environment planning and production management.

There are also shorter training options available, including micro-credentials, so staff can build specific skills without necessarily committing to a longer programme straight away.

Training is completed in the workplace, with support from a Primary ITO Training Adviser who works with the learner and their employer throughout the programme.

Programme entry requirements, availability and fees apply. Training options should be discussed with Primary ITO to find the right fit for your staff and farming operation.

Explore sheep, beef and deer training options with Primary ITO >>

Why invest in training your staff?

Training your team is an investment in your people and the long-term success of your business.

• Build a more capable team. Develop practical skills and knowledge that staff can put to work on farm.
• Improve productivity and performance. Give your people the confidence and skills to carry out their roles effectively.
• Support staff development and retention. Show your team you're invested in their future and give them opportunities to progress.
• Recognise skills and experience. Work towards nationally recognised qualifications that reflect the skills developed on farm.
• Make learning part of the job. Staff can earn while they learn, applying their training to real tasks and situations throughout the farming year.
• Get support along the way. Primary ITO Training Advisers work with learners and employers to help keep training on track.

What about the cost of training?

Depending on the programme and eligibility, government support may be available to help with training costs. Some programmes may also qualify for Fees Free or Apprenticeship Boost support.

Funding and eligibility requirements vary, so it's worth checking the latest information before enrolling.

Find out about training costs and government support >>

Ready to get your team qualified?

Talk to Primary ITO about the training options available for your staff and your business.

Explore training options or make an enquiry with Primary ITO >>

Primary ITO graduate Johannah Schwass with Manager Adam Waite, Northbank Station, Rakaia.

*Information is correct at the time of publication. Programme details, fees and funding eligibility are subject to change. Please check the Primary ITO website for the latest information.

Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) invites expressions of interest for the role of Board Observer for 2027/28. The DINZ Board offers the opportunity for personal and professional development to a person with an interest in the deer sector to join the DINZ Board in an observer capacity for 18 months.  

Candidate specification: 

• The opportunity is open to any stakeholder in the deer industry who has an interest in assuming governance roles.  
• The person should have interests in the farmed deer sector, either through ownership of deer or employment in the production, processing, or marketing of farmed deer products or related industries. 
• The purpose of the Observer role is to develop individuals’ governance skills; therefore, the applicants need not have previously served in similar capacities. 
• The person should be sufficiently experienced in their professional capacity to be able to add to the views of the DINZ Board.  
• Applications from individuals who also have skills and experience from outside of the deer industry are encouraged. 

Selection criteria: 

• Willingness to bring their perspective to the deliberations of the DINZ Board 
• Aspirations for leadership in the deer and/or broader agriculture sector 
• Breadth of experience from outside the deer farming community 
• Availability to contribute to the work of the DINZ Board  
• Demonstration of career progression 

Selection process: 

A selection committee of two DINZ Board members and the NZDFA Executive Committee Chair will assess expressions of interest and then interview a shortlist of candidates. An appointment will be made late November 2026, for a person to attend DINZ Board meetings during 2027 and 2028, with the first meeting in late February 2027. 

Expenses: 

Travel and other reasonable expenses will be covered by Deer Industry New Zealand.  

Term: 

The term would be from 1 January 2027 until 30 June 2028.  At the beginning of the term, the Observer will be invited to attend Institute of Directors governance training at DINZ’s expense. 

Applications: 

Those interested in applying should submit an expression of interest to DINZ CEO rhys.griffiths@deernz.org by midday 14 November 2026. Please ensure you have “Board Observer” as the heading. 

Expressions of interest should include a summary of career to date, involvement with the New Zealand farmed deer sector, and how the skills, attitude and experiences of the applicant would benefit DINZ Board decision making. 

Timeline: 

• Late September 2026 – call for applications  
• 14 November 2026 – applications close  
• w/c 17 November 2026 – selection committee considers applications before the Board Observer 2027 is appointed 
• w/c mid-January 2027 – Board Observer induction to Deer Industry New Zealand 
• Late February 2027 – Board Observer attends first DINZ Board meeting. 

Board Observer 2027/28 

The Applicants will be selected against the following Selection Criteria: 

1. Brings a valuable perspective to the deliberations of the DINZ Board 
   Does the candidate demonstrate intellectual and emotional intelligence that would benefit Board deliberations? Does the candidate bring a perspective that would differ from the predominate experience around the board table? 
2. Aspirations for leadership in the deer and/or broader agriculture sector 
   What previous experience can the applicant demonstrate that illustrates leadership in their community, the deer sector, or more broadly? What is their personal vision for making a positive impact on New Zealand agriculture? 
3. Breadth of experience from outside the deer farming community 
   What professional and personal skills and characteristics do they have which will allow them to actively participate in Board deliberations? 
4. Availability to contribute to the work of the DINZ Board 
   The board will meet in person nine times in 2027/28, plus the Board Observer will be expected to attend industry events and farmer meetings. The Board Observer will also be expected to participate in monthly videoconferences and attend out-of-session discussions as needed.  
5. Demonstration of career progression 
   Do they have relevant qualifications and experience? Relevant means pertaining to the work of Deer Industry New Zealand and could encompass production, processing, marketing or administrative functions in agriculture or related industries. In what way are they continuing to add to their personal and professional development?