Te Ara Tīkouka: National Public Health Workforce Capability and Leadership Pathway

Lead organisation:

Public Health Association New Zealand

Te Ara Tīkouka will strengthen workforce capability and progression across Aotearoa’s public health, social, and community sectors by developing a nationally consistent capability and leadership pathway for the non‑registered workforce.

The initiative responds to widespread workforce shortages, high turnover, and limited progression opportunities across aged support, disability support, home and community health services, mental health and addiction support, social services, and youth work.

PHANZ will work with Māori, Pacific, disability partners, employers, and education providers to co‑design a shared capability framework and a portable micro‑credential and badging system that enables workers to build recognised skills and move more easily between roles and sectors. The pathway will support clearer progression into leadership and governance roles, with equity embedded throughout to strengthen outcomes for Māori, Pacific, and disabled workers.

By creating nationally aligned tools that can be adopted across organisations and regions, the project aims to improve retention, build capability, and support a more connected and sustainable workforce.