Work Counts welcomed into Te Pou and Blueprint for Learning whānau

The start of an exciting new chapter was celebrated on 1 July 2026 with a whakatau to welcome Work Counts into Te Pou and Blueprint for Learning, hosted at Millennium Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This marks a significant milestone, strengthening national leadership in Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment support across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Since its establishment in 2018, Work Counts has been closely aligned with Workwise, a sister entity within the Wise Group. This evolution sees Work Counts find a new home within Te Pou, becoming the specialist function for IPS employment support technical assistance, training, and employment-as-health outcomes. This aligns Work Counts with the mandate of Te Pou as an evidence-based workforce development centre for the mental health and addiction sectors.

Te Pou chief executive Riana Manuel says the move is a natural progression.

“Our health system relationships and Te Tiriti-grounded approach make Te Pou the ideal home for IPS employment support workforce development. This strategic step will fortify the impact of Te Pou in workforce and health equity.”

A shared history, a stronger future

The connection between Te Pou and IPS employment support dates back many years, with significant research and evaluation reports published in 2013 and 2017 laying the groundwork for the formation of Work Counts in 2018. Since then, Work Counts has provided sector leadership, technical assistance, and training in IPS, an evidence-based approach that supports people with mental health and addiction challenges into meaningful employment.

Warren Elwin, outgoing Work Counts chief executive, reflects on the journey.

We look forward to finding our place within Te Pou and the new learnings and resources that this will bring. Given our shared history with Te Pou, in many ways, this move feels like coming full circle.

“We acknowledge Workwise and the Wise Services Board for their support over the past eight years and their role in stewarding Work Counts to become a centre of excellence for IPS employment support in Aotearoa.”

What this unlocks

Work Counts retains its distinct identity and its role as one of six IPS employment support technical assistance centres globally, supporting fidelity, capability, and service growth across Aotearoa. It also continues as secretariat for the Asia-Pacific IPS Learning Community.

Being part of Te Pou opens new doors with access to greater infrastructure, deeper health system connections, and a stronger platform to grow the reach and impact of IPS employment support across the sector.

Work Counts will remain as part of the Wise Group and continue in its role advocating for and supporting a national network of providers, community mental health teams and other settings where IPS employment support is offered.