In November 2025, GAN New Zealand and Skills Consulting hosted the two-day New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum (NZVETRF), New Zealand/Aotearoa’s leading event dedicated to exploring, sharing, and strengthening research in vocational education and training. An annual event, NZVETRF is where research and practice connect, fostering collaboration across New Zealand’s VET ecosystem.

The event opened with remarks from Minister Penny Simmonds (Vocational Education) and Minister Erica Stanford (Education), signaling strong government interest in evidence‑informed policy. GAN Global Executive Director Kathryn Rowan delivered a keynote on quality apprenticeships and cross‑organizational collaboration, emphasizing the role of the private sector in workforce development.

Across two days, participants shared research findings, case studies, and strategies for improving apprenticeship quality and learner employability. Discussions highlighted emerging themes such as system innovation, skills planning, and the importance of promoting parity of esteem between vocational and academic pathways. The forum explores the value of research in shaping effective VET systems, particularly amid ongoing restructuring in New Zealand’s vocational education landscape.