Vertical Horizonz New Zealand

What Vertical Horizonz New Zealand does

Vertical Horizonz New Zealand (VHNZ) is a privately held, 100% New Zealand-owned workplace health and safety training provider founded in 1998 by Bruce Mazengarb and headquartered in Tauranga. The company delivers 200+ courses across height and access, scaffolding, industrial rope access, first aid, transport and licensing, rural and agricultural safety, and general workplace health and safety, serving more than 60,000 learners per year. It holds Category 1 NZQA accreditation (the highest possible rating for a Private Training Establishment) continuously since 2013, and operates 13–14 training centres nationwide spanning Whangārei to Cromwell, with a separate Australian operation indicated by verticalhorizonz.com.au.

VHNZ delivers training through a multi-modal platform: face-to-face instructor-led training at its training centres, on-site delivery at client premises, an eLearning platform (vhnz.assessapp.com), and a mobile application for iOS and Android that tracks unit standards and unlocks digital training guides. Its course catalogue spans compliance-based unit standards, apprenticeship programmes (scaffolding Levels 3–5, roofing, rigging, industrial rope access), and youth-focused Gateway programme delivery aligned with Vocational Pathways. From January 2026, VHNZ became the sole national provider of scaffolding apprenticeship training in partnership with Scaffolding, Access and Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ), assuming responsibility for apprentices previously managed by EarnLearn following Tai Poutini Polytechnic's exit from delivery.

The business operates four primary revenue streams: per-person public course fees ($120–$685 ex GST), per-group school programme fees ($1,700–$4,750+ GST), multi-day apprenticeship programme fees (recurring across block courses and workplace assessments), and TEC-funded zero-fees certificates covering cranes, rope access, and construction. Distribution combines regional field sales via dedicated Account Managers (covering Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Wellington, Taranaki, Southern/Eastern Bay of Plenty and South Waikato, and the Upper and Lower South Island), direct-to-consumer self-serve booking via vhnztraining.co.nz, eLearning enrolment, and channel partnerships including SARNZ and Gateway school programmes. Named enterprise customers include Downer, Fulton Hogan, Fletcher Building, KiwiRail, Meridian Energy, Mercury Energy, Watercare, Ballance, Longveld, and Barrett Homes.

Name

Vertical Horizonz New Zealand

Legal name

Vertical Horizonz New Zealand

Website

https://verticalhorizonz.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Vertical Horizonz New Zealand (VHNZ) is a privately held, 100% NZ-owned workplace health and safety training provider founded in 1998, delivering 200+ courses across height and access, scaffolding, first aid, rural, and transport/licensing to 60,000+ learners annually across 13–14 nationwide training centres, on-site delivery, and eLearning.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workplace Health and Safety Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Working at Heights, Fall Protection & Scaffolding (EDABAEAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Confined Space Entry (EDABAEAI)

Keywords

• Workplace safety training
• Vocational education
• Scaffolding apprenticeships
• Health and safety compliance
• First aid training

Headquarters

HQ city

Christchurch

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Per-Person Course Fees: VHNZ charges per-person fees for individual course enrolment, ranging from approximately $120 to $685 ex GST depending on course duration and complexity. Both public courses at training centres and in-house company bookings are priced per attendee.
2. Group / School Programme Fees: Fixed group pricing for school-based and bulk training programmes (e.g., $1,700–$4,750+gst per group for school courses). Provides a per-group revenue stream complementing per-person pricing.
3. Certificate and Apprenticeship Programmes: Multi-day programmes and apprenticeships (e.g., scaffolding apprenticeship, roofing, rope access) generate revenue through programme fees covering block courses, workplace assessments, and unit standard completions over extended durations.
4. eLearning Courses: Individual eLearning courses are sold on a per-person basis (e.g., $120–$225+gst per person), providing a scalable, low-variable-cost digital revenue stream.
5. Zero-Fees Funded Training: VHNZ offers zero-fees certificate programmes funded through TEC (Tertiary Education Commission), covering areas such as Cranes, Rope Access, and Construction. Revenue is received from government funding rather than individual learners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Vertical Horizonz New Zealand is a workplace health, safety and vocational training provider offering 200+ courses across height and access (working at height, scaffolding, IRATA rope access, MEWP), health and safety (permit to work, risk assessment, lockout/tagout, manual handling), first aid, rural and agricultural training (chainsaw, quad bike, farm bike, chemical handling), transport and licensing (forklift), and apprenticeship programmes (Levels 3-5) in scaffolding, roofing, rigging and industrial rope access. Training is delivered face-to-face at 14 nationwide centres, on-site at client locations, or online via the VHNZ eLearning platform and mobile app.

Product overview

Vertical Horizonz New Zealand (VHNZ) is a 100% New Zealand-owned training organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of workplace health and safety and vocational training products and services. The core offerings center on face-to-face training delivered at 13 nationwide training centres, supplemented by VHNZ eLearning (online courses) and the VHNZ mobile app (for certification tracking). Training spans Health and Safety (permit to work, incident investigation, risk assessment), Height and Access (working at heights, scaffolding, rope access), First Aid, Rural/Agricultural, Transport and Licensing, and Apprenticeship programmes across scaffolding, roofing, rigging, and rope access. The VHNZ App enables learners to track certifications and access digital training guides. The organization holds Category 1 NZQA accreditation and delivers 200+ courses including zero-fees training options.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VHNZ eLearning Online learning platform offering flexible, self-paced course delivery with trainer support. Covers unit standards across health and safety, first aid, rural, and trades disciplines. Accessible via laptop, tablet, or smartphone with pay-and-enrol functionality.
• VHNZ Mobile App Mobile application (iOS/Android) that enables learners to track unit standards and qualifications achieved, access digital training guides for over 18 course subject areas, and manage certifications from a mobile device. Replaced physical ID cards.
• Height and Access Training Courses covering Working at Height Basic/Advanced, industrial rope access, scaffolding, IRATA rope access, Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP), and dual qualification programmes combining IRATA with NZ Certificate in Rope Access Level 3. For workers in construction, infrastructure and industrial environments.
• Health and Safety Training Courses covering permit to work systems, incident investigation, health and safety representative training (Stages 1-3), risk assessment, lockout/tagout, manual handling, hearing conservation, drug and alcohol management, and workplace health and safety legislation. For employers and workers across industries needing compliance under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
• First Aid Training Courses including New Zealand First Aid Certificate, Emergency Care First Response, First Aid Levels 1 & 2, outdoor first aid, and early childhood first aid. Available in-person and through eLearning. For workplaces, schools and individuals needing certified first aid skills.
• Rural/Agricultural Training Training for primary industry including chainsaw operation, chemical handling (GrowSafe Basic/Standard), farm bike, quad bike, Light Utility Vehicle (LUV), tractor, four-wheel drive (4WD), rural health and safety, and open space mowing. For farmers, agricultural workers and primary industry operators.
• Transport and Licensing Training Courses for forklift operator certificate (OSH ticket), drive training, and other transport-related licensing requirements for workplace compliance. Includes the new Forklift Skills Course (launched 2024) for learners without practical forklift experience.
• Scaffolding Apprenticeship Programmes National scaffolding apprenticeship training programmes including NZ Certificate in Scaffolding (General) Level 3, NZ Certificate in Scaffolding (Proprietary Suspended) Level 3, NZ Apprenticeship in Scaffolding (Trade) Level 4, and NZ Certificate in Scaffolding (Advanced) Level 5. Delivered in partnership with SARNZ through block courses and workplace assessments.
• Apprenticeship Programmes Apprenticeship training across scaffolding, roofing, rigging, and industrial rope access sectors, including Levels 3-5 qualifications and trade apprenticeships delivered through block courses and workplace assessments with nationally recognised New Zealand certificates.
• Youth and Careers Training Industry-specific training for school students aligned with Vocational Pathways. Covers health and safety, first aid, construction, rural, MEWP, and trades preparation. Includes NZQA unit standards and supports NCEA qualification achievement.
• Zero-Fees Training Free training programmes covering cranes, rope access, construction and other areas, available through zero-fees certificates funded through the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) for eligible learners.
• IRATA Rope Access Training International Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) certification alongside NZ Certificate in Industrial Rope Access Level 3, offered as a dual qualification pathway for industrial rope access technicians.
• Advisory and Consultancy Services Expert advisory and consultancy services for workplace health and safety, complementing VHNZ's training programmes for organisations needing specialised guidance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Category 1 NZQA accreditation — highest possible rating for a PTE in New Zealand since 2013
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Scaffolding, Access and Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2025VHNZ and SARNZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a jointly governed training model for scaffolding apprenticeship delivery in New Zealand. VHNZ assumed full responsibility for scaffolding apprentices previously managed by EarnLearn, effective 19 December 2025. The partnership aims to ensure quality, safety, and workforce development in the scaffolding industry through an industry-first governance model.
• Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2025TPP had been a long-standing provider of scaffolding education and training in New Zealand. Following TPP's decision to step away from delivery, VHNZ assumed national responsibility for scaffolding apprenticeship training. VHNZ acknowledged TPP's significant contribution to the sector.
• Fulton HoganminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Fulton Hogan participated as an event partner at VHNZ's Wāhine in Trades Day, showcasing their business to young women exploring careers in trades. Representatives from Fulton Hogan expressed gratitude for the event format and networking opportunities.
• Barrett HomesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Barrett Homes participated as an event partner at VHNZ's Wāhine in Trades Day, collaborating with other women in the industry to inspire the next generation.
• Priority OneminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Priority One, a regional economic development agency, sponsored the Wāhine in Trades Day event hosted by VHNZ, helping to pave the road for aspiring women in trades.
• LongveldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongveld, a fabricator of stainless-steel cabinets, partnered with VHNZ for specialised one-on-one training in Sling and Overhead Crane operations for an employee with hearing impairment. The training was adapted using innovative communication strategies including text-to-speech, speech-to-text, whiteboard, and hand signals.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• SafetyCulture: SafetyCulture is an Australian-headquartered workplace safety and compliance platform offering digital training and inspection tools — an emerging player intersecting with VHNZ's eLearning and mobile app strategy, particularly as compliance training digitises.

Direct peers

• New Zealand Red Cross: NZ Red Cross delivers first aid training and certification programmes nationally, overlapping directly with VHNZ's New Zealand First Aid Certificate and workplace first aid courses for both individual and corporate customers.
• St John New Zealand: St John NZ is a major provider of first aid training and certification in New Zealand, directly competing with VHNZ's First Aid course portfolio for individual learners, schools, and enterprise customers across the same nationwide training network.
• Site Safe New Zealand: Site Safe is a New Zealand not-for-profit providing workplace health and safety training and membership programmes for the construction sector — a direct competitor to VHNZ's construction-facing compliance training with overlapping customer base of contractors and infrastructure firms.
• Competenz: Competenz is a New Zealand Industry Training Organisation delivering apprenticeship and vocational training across trades including construction, manufacturing, and automotive — directly comparable to VHNZ's apprenticeship programmes and trades training portfolio.
• Primary ITO (now part of Muka Tangata): Muka Tangata (which absorbed the Primary ITO) is New Zealand's Workforce Development Council for the food and fibre sector, setting standards and supporting training in agriculture and primary industry — directly comparable to VHNZ's rural/agricultural training portfolio covering chainsaws, quad bikes, and farm safety.
• Skills Consulting Group (Skills): Skills is one of New Zealand's largest Industry Training Organisations, providing apprenticeship and workplace training across multiple trades and industries — comparable to VHNZ in scale, apprenticeship delivery model, and government-funded vocational pathways.

Regional players

• Sitewide / Sitewide Training (Australia): Sitewide provides workplace safety, height safety, and confined space training across Australia — a regional peer operating a similar curriculum of EHS and high-risk work training in VHNZ's target Australian expansion geography.
• AlertForce: AlertForce is an Australian workplace health and safety training provider delivering face-to-face and online courses across high-risk work categories including working at heights, confined space, and first aid — closely comparable to VHNZ's course catalogue and delivery model in the Australian market.

Broad incumbents

• Te Pūkenga / Workforce Development Councils (NZ): Te Pūkenga (now largely disestablished) and the Workforce Development Councils oversee much of New Zealand's vocational and industry training, including standards and qualifications that VHNZ delivers against — a broader incumbent shaping the regulatory and funding landscape in which VHNZ operates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCpYQGQc64Ty_TAo2Ts8yLoQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/verticalhorizonznewzealand
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vertical-horizonz-new-zealand
• Instagraminstagram.com/verticalhorizonz/?hl=en
• Xx.com/VHorizonz

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vertical Horizonz New Zealand