Patron for QEII National Trust
Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy has accepted an invitation to become the Patron of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust.
Primary ITO facilitates industry training in the agriculture, horticulture, equine, water and sports turf sectors.
Connected through primary production and shared use of the country's natural resources; land, plants and water - the organisation provides high quality, relevant workplace qualifications, resulting in better business, better career opportunities and supporting the economic growth of New Zealand's primary sector.
Primary ITO chief executive, Kevin Bryant, says "the Waikato region is central to our country's primary industry – in particular, dairy farming."
"It was brilliant to have Governor-General and Lady Janine witness the hard work that primary industry employees are investing in their education; ensuring they have the skills they need to do the best job possible for their career, their workplace and the primary industry as a whole."
The Governor-General and Lady Janine visited Windsor Park Stud in Cambridge where they met owner Rodney Schick. They chatted with apprentice jockeys, harness racing and horse breeding trainees from the region who are currently undertaking Primary ITO equine qualifications.
Virginia Tocher, Primary ITO equine training adviser says, "the visit provided much excitement among equine employers and trainees who thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Governor General and Lady Janine. It was also a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the equine industry to Sir Jerry and Lady Janine."
The visit then then continued to Stephen and Sheree Field's dairy farm in Ohaupo. Stephen and Sheree have encouraged and supported many of their employees through Primary ITO training.
Waikato Primary ITO training adviser Eleri Williams works closely with trainees and employers, specifically in the agricultural sector, providing on-going support and advice throughout their journey.
"It was an honour to host the Governor-General and Lady Janine in the Waikato. Having the opportunity to showcase what is happening in terms of developing the skills of our people at a grassroots level was such a positive experience. All our Waikato trainees and employers thoroughly enjoyed the day, and we hope the Governor-General and Lady Janine did too," Eleri says.
