Careerforce

Who makes up the social sector workforce?

This is a question Social Service Providers Te Pai Ora o Aotearoa need your help answering as they build the sector's first comprehensive, multi-year workforce survey. Their aim with this survey is to create a robust, reliable evidence base that can be used to help with future training, recruitment, retention, funding and policy development. Currently we lack this information, meaning we don't have a clear picture of the size, conditions, challenges and needs of our workforce.

Learn more about this mahi and help them develop a definition of their workforce: https://www.sspa.org.nz/our-mahi/workforce-research-programme

👀 EYE SPY… our NZSDRT Conference crew! 👀

Day 1 of the 2026 New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists Conference is underway in Christchurch, and we’re excited to be here! 🎉

Eye spy… 👀
🌟 Tracey-Anne
🌟 Joanna
🌟 Plenty of connection, learning and kōrero
🌟 Current and future employers
🌟 Learners and industry friends
🌟 And, of course… plenty of fun along the way! 💛

Our amazing team are ready to connect, share, learn and chat with everyone over the next three days.

If you’re at , come and say kia ora — we’d love to see you! 👋
Can you spot our team in the conference crowd? 👀🔎

🎉 Celebrating achievement across Aotearoa's peer support workforce.

It was a privilege to bring together learners, graduates, employers, whānau and supporters in Wellington to recognise the dedication of frontline peer support workers committed to growing their skills and supporting others through lived experience.

The event celebrated people from organisations including Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora , Ka P**a Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa, Door Recovery, Te Paepae Ārahi Trust, Oasis Network Inc., and other providers who are making a difference in communities every day.

Peer support workers play a vital role in New Zealand's mental health and wellbeing sector, walking alongside people on their recovery journeys and demonstrating the power of connection, understanding and hope.

We were also pleased to welcome Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey, whose attendance reflected the growing recognition of the important contribution peer support workers make to the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

Congratulations to everyone recognised. 👏

Read more about the celebration: https://www.careerforce.org.nz/frontline-peer-support-workers-celebrated-at-wellington-graduation/

Every sector has its Real Heroes.⭐

Careerforce's new Real Heroes award celebrates learners and graduates who are making a genuine difference through their dedication, professionalism and commitment to the people they support.

We're inviting nominations from workplaces, managers, assessors, colleagues and learners to recognise those who consistently go above and beyond.

Nominations opened on 31 July and will close on 17 September.

Help us shine a light on the people making a difference across Aotearoa every day.


https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R2PDSPR

✨ Feedback Friday Spotlight ✨

Every voice matters — and every story counts. This Feedback Friday, Careerforce is proud to share real snippets of feedback from the people who make our community so special

🤵‍♀️ Employers shaping workplaces
🎓 Learners growing their skills and confidence
📝 Assessors supporting success every step of the way

These insights highlight the impact of training, the power of support, and the difference we’re making together.

Stay tuned each Friday as we shine a light on the experiences behind the journey 🌟

🌟 Congratulations to Total Property Services (TPS)! 🌟

TPS has been named the winner of the inaugural Careerforce Workforce Development Excellence Award at the 2026 CleanSweep Awards. 🎉

The award recognises organisations that go above and beyond to support their people through learning, development and career growth. TPS impressed judges with its commitment to creating opportunities, building capability, and helping employees thrive.

It's a fantastic example of how investing in people can strengthen workplaces, create meaningful career pathways, and lift standards across the sector. 💙

Read the full story here: https://www.careerforce.org.nz/tps-shines-bright-with-cleansweep-workforce-development-win/

🌟 Mānawatia a Matariki! 🌟

Matariki is a time to remember, reflect, and reset. As the Matariki stars rise, we look to the year ahead with aroha and unity.

At Careerforce, we celebrate this special time by embracing and reflecting on the values that underpin our mahi:
💛 Kotahitanga – Connecting People; coming together in unity to improve the health & wellbeing of New Zealanders
💛 Maanakitanga – Honouring ourselves and others; We respect, show care and compassion for others
💛 Kaitiakitanga – Upholding responsibilities; delivering on our purpose and enhancing the wellbeing of communities we serve

This Matariki, we honour the past, celebrate the present, and step into the future guided by these principles.