A bit like the news about those KiwiRail ferries, we must wait for the details about decentralising our polytechnics
It has been coming for a while and it has arrived just before Christmas – or some of it has arrived.
The government has confirmed its plan for breaking up the national institute of technology and re-establishing independent polytechnics.
Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds today said the government had decided to make polytechnics autonomous.
But we must wait for the the government to 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 which form, will be taken in the first half of next year. These decisions will consider the needs of local communities, learners and industry,” Simmonds said.
“Although there may be some changes to how ITPs are organised, and to how and where programmes are delivered, learners can continue to have confidence in their courses and qualifications.”
The future of work-based training has yet to be decided, too.
The government would consult on two possible options for that sector next year, Simmonds said.
So there we have it. An announcement which says the government will do what it has said it will do – but watch this space for the details.
A bit like the ferries announcement, eh?
Ms Simmonds’ news was included in the latest batch of statements posted on the Government’s official website.
But we must wait for the the government to 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 which form, will be taken in the first half of next year. These decisions will consider the needs of local communities, learners and industry,” Simmonds said.
“Although there may be some changes to how ITPs are organised, and to how and where programmes are delivered, learners can continue to have confidence in their courses and qualifications.”
The future of work-based training has yet to be decided, too.
The government would consult on two possible options for that sector next year, Simmonds said.
So there we have it. An announcement which says the government will do what it has said it will do – but watch this space for the details.
A bit like the ferries announcement, eh?
Ms Simmonds’ news was included in the latest batch of statements posted on the Government’s official website.
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In her statement, Penny Simmonds reassuringly said the redesigned polytechnic system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy.
Top marks for not planning a system that does not do that.
The plans include re-establishing regional polytechnics that are financially sustainable.
Would anyone expect them to do otherwise?
The Government has agreed to amend the Education and Training Act 2020 to disestablish Te Pūkenga and allow institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) to be established as autonomous entities. These may be standalone or as part of a federation.
Decisions on which polytechnics will be established, and in which form, will consider the needs of local communities, learners and industry, Simmonds says.
The Government’s aim is to ensure learners across New Zealand have access to vocational education and training with regional provision, and that important industry and national needs are met.
Information on the options and the consultation process will be provided to industry bodies in January 2025.
“I plan to take decisions on the establishment of polytechnics, the design of the work-based learning system and coverage of Industry Skills Boards; and funding for the new system to Cabinet in the first half of 2025,” Ms Simmonds says.
“It is my intention that the new system will start to be implemented from 2025, with the first standalone polytechnics in place on 1 January 2026. This is a tight timeframe but one that supports the earliest possible return to certainty for the sector after years of instability and change. Every effort will be made to ensure that education and training are not disrupted.”
Throughout this time, learners are being advise to enrol and study for qualifications, and employers keep taking and supporting apprentices and trainees.
Point of Order is a blog focused on politics and the economy run by veteran newspaper reporters Bob Edlin and Ian Templeton
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