The government has confirmed plans to disband Te Pūkenga.
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The government has confirmed plans to dismantle the National Institute of Technology and reestablish independent polytechnics.

Higher Education Minister Penny Simmonds said after consultation the government had decided to make polytechnics autonomous.

She said the government would decide next year which polytechnics could be independent from the start of 2026 and which would be part of a federation.

“Decisions on which polytechnics will be established and in what form will be made in the first half of next year. These decisions will take into account the needs of local communities, learners and industry,” Simmonds said.

“While there may be some changes to the way ITPs are organized, and how and where programs are delivered, learners can continue to feel confident in their courses and qualifications.”

Simmonds said the future of workplace training was still to be decided.

The government will consult on two possible options for the sector next year, she said.

“The standard-setting functions currently carried out by the Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) will be taken over by the Industrial Skills Councils, but further feedback is being sought from industry on how the work-based learning should be structured. WDCs will continue to operate in the meantime.” » said Simmonds.

“During my consultation on work-based learning options earlier in 2024, the feedback I received led to the development of a new option. As it is essential that the design meets the needs of the industry, I intend to hold a focused consultation on two working options. “technology-based learning options very early in 2025.”