New Zealand is one of the world's most geographically isolated and least crowded countries. New Zealand organizations are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of training and development as the country becomes more technologically sophisticated, multiethnic and older. The country needs higher productivity, business investment and skills development. Both the government and the corporate sector work to strengthen system capability and quality, to increase opportunities for on-the-job experience and to raise the skills of all New Zealanders for participation in a knowledge society.