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Since October 2022, EarnLearn's executive leadership has been provided by the Connexis infrastructure work-based learning division. Recognising the different transition pathways and timeframes across each of EarnLearn and Connexis, separate leadership is now required to support EarnLearn through to transition out of the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (EIISB).

We’re pleased to announce Leigh-Anne Buxton as EarnLearn’s incoming Executive Director to lead the organisation through to transition and into the future training provider. Following a period of handover, Leigh-Anne will formally assume her EarnLearn Executive Director responsibilities from 16 September 2026.

Leigh-Anne is a senior executive leader with extensive experience in organisational transformation, people leadership, and vocational education. At Primary ITO, she held executive leadership roles including Executive General Manager Business and Quality, and General Manager Delivery, helping guide the organisation through significant sector reforms while strengthening financial performance, stakeholder partnerships, and workforce capability across New Zealand's primary industries.

This appointment ensures strong leadership and continuity for EarnLearn employers, learners and staff through the transition process.Together with the Connexis Executive Leadership team (Kelvin Wong and Sue Roberts), along with the Connexis People Culture and Wellbeing Manager (Calista Crooks), we’ve felt very privileged to work alongside the EarnLearn team and to witness the significant improvements we’ve achieved to training delivery over recent years.

Together, we’ve seen positive outcomes for learners, increasingly positive customer survey results, and a strong culture of continuous improvement for both learners and employers. These achievements are a reflection of the dedication, professionalism and commitment across the EarnLearn team.

As I prepare to hand over leadership, I've been reflecting on the importance of your industry and the work you do for all New Zealanders. Upskilling the workforce through formalised apprenticeship pathways remains a key priority and we have thoroughly enjoyed our time supporting the EarnLearn team to step up the service to your apprentices and continually focus on the success of each learner.

It has been a privilege to support EarnLearn over the past four years, and I wish you all the very best as EarnLearn continues its transition to industry-led ownership and work-based training continues to thrive across our industries.

Kind regards,
Kaarin Gaukrodger
Executive Director