Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has announced that ten polytechnics will be re-established from January 2026, reversing the Labour government’s centralisation under Te Pūkenga.
The move aims to return decision-making power to the regions, allowing vocational institutions to better respond to local training needs and economic demands.
Simmonds called the decision a “major milestone” in building a locally led, regionally responsive, and future-focused education system.
The ten polytechnics returning to regional governance are:
- Ara Institute of Canterbury (Ara)
- Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)
- Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)
- Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
- Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
- Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
- Unitec Institute of Technology (Unitec) and Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), which will stand up as a single entity
- Otago Polytechnic
- Universal College of Learning (UCOL)
- The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
Four polytechnics will remain under Te Pūkenga while working toward viability, with further decisions expected in 2026.
The changes are outlined in legislation currently before Parliament and are expected to pass by October.
The Government says the reforms will enhance financial sustainability, boost industry engagement, and create more flexible and relevant training for over 250,000 students in vocational education. Simmonds emphasized that the restructured system will better serve employers, students, and regional communities across New Zealand.
Image credit: John
excellent, i studied at polytech and it was good fun
About time…!
What else can be de-centralised and exempt from reporting stats that might lead to low ‘Social Credit’ whilst living in a ‘:15 Minute Smart City’ that mimics an open air prison?
Facial Recognition can also be removed from the PolyTechs.
And one should be able to pay the fees with cash as well!
Hopefully, credit for previous experience and education can also be streamlined…and made affordable.
So back to the past then, and all the poorer for it after another failed corporate government experiment.