Scholarships available
Applications are open for the 2026 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships. The Ngarimu scholarships recognise excellence in education, performance and achievement. They are awarded to exceptional ākonga Māori who are enrolling in or undertaking university, wānanga or vocational education and training programmes. Applicants must demonstrate values aligned with those of the 28th (Māori) […]
Changes to high-risk short courses
Waihanga Ara Rau have recently released some changes to how training and assessment for high-risk short courses is to be undertaken by training providers (like Vertical Horizonz). These changes must be implemented by 1st September this year (and 1st August for any of the unit standards taught within the secondary school system). What this means is that […]
Update: Age Restrictions for High-Risk Training
Under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, there are restrictions on young people carrying out certain high-risk tasks in the workplace. These include construction activities, operating machinery, and handling hazardous substances. As a result, VHNZ will not deliver practical training or assessment for high-risk activities to learners under […]
More Than a Tohu: Supporting Apprentices with Integrity, Care, and Clarity
In the world of vocational training, the focus is often on qualifications. And while a tohu is important—a formal marker of achievement—it’s not the only thing that matters. What truly transforms an apprentice’s journey isn’t just the training they receive. It’s the support they feel, the people who walk alongside them, and the systems that uphold—not hinder—their […]
Apprentice of the month – April
We’re delighted to announce that roofing apprentice Callum Shutes of Dixon Roofing in Auckland is our latest Apprentice of the Month! Nominated by his Training Advisor, Conor, Callum has shown awesome resilience and commitment. He was originally scheduled to finish earlier this year, but after a few unexpected setbacks—many outside his control—it looked like his […]
Training Success: Overcoming Barriers with Innovation and Empathy
Recently, one of Longveld’s fabricators of stainless-steel cabinets, who has been deaf since around the age of two, underwent specialised training on Sling and Overhead Crane operations. This one-on-one training was conducted by Aaron Shepard from VHNZ, a trainer with a unique personal connection to the deaf community—his granddaughter was born deaf, giving him a […]
The Importance of Refresher Training
Refresher training: Retraining done by a person who is already qualified or has been previously assessed as competent in a specific field with the intent of updating knowledge and or skills or ensuring that no knowledge or skills have been lost. Refresher training plays a crucial role in maintaining competence and staying updated with industry […]
Understanding the Upcoming Health and Safety Law Reforms
The Government has announced changes to New Zealand’s health and safety laws. These reforms are aimed mainly at small businesses in low-risk industries, with the goal of reducing paperwork and compliance costs, while still keeping workplaces safe. These changes have received a mixed response. Some support the simpler approach, while others worry it might not […]
VHNZ – A Legacy of Safety & Innovation in Working at Height Training
In the world of working at height safety training, the name Vertical Horizonz is ingrained within the history of the establishment of New Zealand safety standards. Founded in 1998 by Bruce Mazengarb, Vertical Horizonz has been a beacon of excellence in safety training for over 26 years. After a distinguished career in the armed forces, […]
Silent Suffering: Why Employees Don’t Speak Up About Workplace Stress
Workplace stress is often described as the “hidden epidemic” of modern organisations. While stress affects employees at all levels, many suffer in silence, unwilling or unable to express their struggles. Despite growing awareness around mental health, a significant stigma remains, preventing open conversations and leaving employees feeling isolated. When stress goes unspoken, it not only […]