Statement of Intent

An effective, coherent careers system is an essential component of economic growth. The key focus for Career Services over the next three years will be lifting the quality of the New Zealand careers system.

We are stepping up our leadership role in New Zealand’s careers system, providing the knowledge, benchmarks and training to practitioners to enable them to provide the best possible careers education, advice and guidance. We will increasingly act as the conductor at the centre of the system, linking the various elements together.

As the leading provider of career support services in New Zealand, Career Services’ expertise, knowledge and resources are critical in helping New Zealanders make informed career decisions. We are the “go to” place for people seeking information to make careers decisions. Smarter decision-making will help raise the skill levels and career aspirations of New Zealanders, which will supply a more qualified workforce for employers, leading to higher productivity and, in turn, economic growth.

Our challenge is to reach more New Zealanders (especially those in our key target groups) within our existing funding levels. We will achieve this by building the capability of others (eg in the secondary, tertiary, community and business sectors) through our leadership of the careers system. This will help others to assist people to identify their skills and abilities and how they can make good decisions about work and learning.  

We will continue to provide information and resources through our website, 0800 Advice line and direct delivery to New Zealanders, utilising technology to maximise our reach, eg through our phone and web guidance services.

We have a particular focus on young people, especially young Māori and Pasifika. Our commitment to a range of government initiatives, particularly the Youth Guarantee and Whānau Ora, will assist young people to make more informed decisions and make successful transitions into further learning and employment. This is the first step towards the self-management of a career.

Career Services’ leadership of the careers system and as the holders and distributors of careers knowledge will enable more New Zealanders to manage their career choices, at whatever age or stage of their career. I remain confident that Career Services will continue to work towards the Government’s goals; offer value for money; meet its reporting requirements; and maintain the systems and processes necessary to uphold the standards of integrity and conduct required of staff in the state services.


Arthur Graves
Board Chair
Career Services