Erin Simpson, Taranaki, Te Atiawa, Ngāti Tawhirikura Hapū, has had an extensive career in Horticulture and Vocational Education starting in the 1980s. His grassroots experience gives him a robust and insightful understanding of skill development pedagogy needed by learners to thrive today and in the unknown world of the future of work. He is passionate about ensuring skills and training delivered and developed today are agile, adaptable, and fit for purpose and that there is a space for every member of society to see a pathway of learning that suits them and their beliefs.

Erin’s governance experience includes Chair of the New Zealand Agricultural Education Trust (Growsafe) and Co-Chair of the Hawkes Bay Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG) and was previously Co-chair of the interim Muka Tangata Establishment Board for People Food and Fibre WDC. He has been an active contributor to many of the reforms of vocational education design frameworks and continues to grow kai in the fertile soils of Mangateretere.