stronger together
Who is Te Mahi Ako?
Te Mahi Ako is a private training establishment (PTE) dedicated to supporting people working in te ahumahi ā-rēhia—the active recreation, leisure, and entertainment sectors. We specialise in work-based learning, providing practical, flexible programmes that allow you to gain qualifications and skills while staying connected to your workplace.
Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to advance your career, our programmes are designed to help you thrive in your chosen field. You’ll build knowledge, enhance your skills, and continue making a positive impact in your community—all while earning an income in most cases.
At Te Mahi Ako, we believe in unlocking opportunities and empowering you to deliver exceptional services. Join us and take the next step in your career journey!

Empower Your Future with Te Mahi Ako
Why choose us?
A learning journey that fits you
We prioritise a learner-centric approach, tailoring our support to your unique needs, aspirations, and learning style. Your success is at the heart of everything we do.
Pathways to thriving careers
Our programmes focus on building skills and qualifications that not only enhance your current role but open doors to long-term career growth in the active recreation and leisure industry.
Achieve excellence in your field
Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, we help you reach your full potential with tools, knowledge, and connections that set you apart in the active recreation world.
Explore the latest success stories
We’ve had the privilege of working with tens of thousands of learners, workplaces, and assessors dedicated to te ahumahi ā-rēhia — active recreation, leisure, and entertainment. Want to know more about who we are and what we’ve accomplished over the past 30 years? Don’t just take our word for it—hear directly from our people!
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find the question you’re looking for? Send us an email or give us a call at 0508 475 455 and we’ll be happy to help.
Just click the "Enrol" button in the top right-hand corner of this website, set up a new account in our learner portal if it is your first time, and then click the "Enrol here" button. Select your programme from the dropdown menu and follow the prompts to complete the rest of the form.
Your enrolment form will be processed by your learner advisor, and then sent to your workplace manager to review and sign electronically. Once your manager has signed, the form automatically gets sent back to you, and your learner advisor, to review and sign.
Work-based learning means learning on the job, at your own pace, and picking up knowledge. You'll get there with support and feedback from your colleagues and managers. You will be doing your real work, repeating tasks, and progressing in skill.
Over time you will be assessed doing your tasks, so you can demonstrate you're meeting the required standards to complete your programme.
When you sign up for a work-based learning programme, you won’t be doing it on your own. Your learning will be a joint project between three parties – you, your workplace and Te Mahi Ako.
Your workplace will provide the training, encouragement, time and opportunities you need to complete your tasks. Your Te Mahi Ako team, including your assessor and learning advisor, will help you stay on track and tackle any problems along the way. You can find out more on our learner support page.
Te Mahi Ako learning programmes are for people working in te ahumahi ā-rēhia: the active recreation, leisure and entertainment sectors. To view our programmes, click here.
You can work in the field you’re passionate about and deliver awesome services to your community, all while gaining skills and education.
It’s a great way to upskill, progress your career, and (in most cases) earn an income at the same time.
Work-based learning is an efficient and affordable way to gain qualifications while earning an income.
A range of financial help options are available for work-based learners.
To find out more, click here.