GDP for the Pork, Poultry and other Livestock industry is forecasted to increase more than 11% between 2023 and 2027.

MPI’s forecasted growth for 2032 across the "Pork, Poultry, Bees and Other Sector” shows an overall workforce increase (BAU scenario). However, this varies by occupation:

  • 5% decrease for farm workers – production workers, packaging, stores, transport – and poultry workers
  • 19% increase for manager roles – farm managers, general managers processing and packing, and production managers
  • 11% increase for forepersons and other semi-autonomous roles

The Poultry, Pork and other Livestock industry workforce has a low level of formal qualifications. Based on those in the workforce where we have data on qualifications, 17% have no qualification and 13% have NCEA L1 or equivalent. This is a higher level of people with low level or no qualifications compared with the benchmark across all Muka Tangata industries.

Currently there is no progression pathway for the Poultry industry, with the only Poultry specific level training being at Level 2. The industry would like to see the Level 3 qualification delivered, but there is currently no programme developed against it. Biosecurity and health are front of mind for the Poultry industry as the threat of avian bird flu increases. 

See Qualifications table here.