In response to the proposed closure of Toi Ohomai’s Tokoroa campus, the South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT) has stepped forward to lead a coordinated workforce development strategy aimed at safeguarding local education and employment pathways. The initiative follows a stakeholder meeting held at the South Waikato District Council on 4 August 2025, where community leaders, educators, and economic development partners gathered to address the implications of the closure.
Stakeholder meeting held at the South Waikato District Council
Toi Ohomai, currently the main tenant at the purpose-built Pūkenga Rau facility, announced its intention to cease campus-based delivery from the end of 2025. The news sparked concern across the district, with SWIFT CEO Clive Somerville expressing sadness over the decision and reaffirming the trust’s commitment to ensuring the facility continues to serve its original purpose of supporting skills development and economic opportunity for South Waikato residents.
SWIFT has since taken lead to develop a localised workforce development strategy, supported by the South Waikato District Council, Toi Ohomai, and other stakeholders. The strategy aims to assess programme and course needs using quantitative workforce projections, while also increasing industry participation in training design across key sectors.
Pūkenga Rau officially opened by Mayor Gary Petley & Honourable Louise Upston in 2023.
While SWIFT has made it clear that direct education delivery is not its core business, the trust remains committed to working with partners to ensure the community retains access to meaningful training opportunities. The next 90 days will be critical, as findings from the strategy development process are expected to be shared, shaping the future of workforce development for South Waikato.
As the region navigates this transition, SWIFT’s leadership offers a beacon of hope, anchored in collaboration, strategic investment, and a deep commitment to the long-term wellbeing of South Waikato.
