Statement of Intent

I am pleased to present Careers New Zealand’s statement of intent for the period 2012/13-2014/15.

Over the next three years Careers New Zealand will lead significant and lasting improvement to the New Zealand careers system and the quality of careers assistance in New Zealand.

An excellent careers system that utilises the capabilities of all careers stakeholders is essential for the successful support of career decision-making by learners and all New Zealanders. Good career decisions mean improved qualifications and skills that meet labour market needs. A more highly qualified and skilled workforce means higher productivity and faster economic growth. Our work enables New Zealanders to develop their "career competency" – to make the most of their opportunities. By implementing change in the short term, we create a solid platform for continued economic prosperity in the long term.

The work of Careers New Zealand in leading the careers sector is vital. Careers New Zealand is uniquely positioned to co-ordinate and lead the careers system in New Zealand. As an organisation we are dedicated to careers and skills development. We provide services, directly or through work with third parties, that assist people in the education system, workforce or in transition between the two – we provide an "all-age service". We work across the education and labour market sectors, and provide important linkages and information channels between the two. Careers New Zealand has a wealth of knowledge, practical experience and resources to draw on as we lead the improvement of the careers system to be more responsive to the needs of young people, families, communities, education providers and business.

Through working with agencies such as the new Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Commission, we will help ensure the better matching of skills supply and demand for New Zealand, and the development of a highly skilled, and highly productive, workforce. We will undertake this work at both national and regional levels.

A challenge for careers professionals and influencers is achieving a balance between raising and supporting aspirations, and making sure choices are made with a realistic assessment of the labour market. We see our role, and the role of the careers system, as both lifting aspirations and horizons, and ensuring that decisions are made within a realistic framework. Providing readily available, user-friendly information on labour market trends, linked to learning and skills pathways, is an area we will build on in 2012/13.

During the next three years Careers New Zealand will lead and co-ordinate the development of a careers system that will improve educational and career outcomes, build a highly skilled workforce and contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth. I am confident in the ability of our committed staff to respond to the challenges and opportunities that arise, and continue to deliver excellent results.

Arthur Graves
Board Chair
Careers New Zealand