Education

The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), including its Telford campus, will once again operate independently from 1 January 2026, following a Government announcement to restore regional governance to ten institutes nationwide. OPINION: Putting Polytechnics Back in Local HandsBy Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for Vocational Education Vocational education is one of

* Eight Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) to launch from 1 January 2026, replacing Te Pūkenga’s oversight of work-based training * ISBs to be led by sector experts, aligning training with real-world industry needs * “A win for apprentices, trainees, employers, and the economy,” says Minister Penny Simmonds Eight new Industry Skills Boards

The High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Ms Neeta Bhushan, visited Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in Invercargill on 14 May as part of her official tour to engage with Indian students and local stakeholders. Accompanied by her husband, Mr Anurag Bhushan, Additional Secretary in India’s Ministry of

* SIT Nurse Educators Aica Rivero and Stacey Porter received top honours at recent awards. * Rivero’s research work has influenced clinical practice and inspired nursing students and colleagues. * Porter’s teaching approach was praised for creativity, student mentorship and long-lasting workforce impact. Two Nurse Educators from the Southern Institute of

* Legislation aims to return education decisions to regional polytechnics and industry leaders * Industry Skills Boards to replace Workforce Development Councils from January 2026 * Te Pūkenga to be phased out as changes roll out over two years The government has started a major overhaul of New Zealand’s vocational education and

Positive primary, intermediate and secondary school experiences in Invercargill were pivotal in Raewyn Hansen’s pursuit of her long-held desire to be a teacher.  After 30 years teaching in children from five years to fifteen years old, in primary and secondary classrooms around Southland, as well as training in Deaf

* Students from Year 1 to 10 will learn practical money skills through refreshed curriculum * Curriculum includes basic and advanced topics, from savings to tax and investment knowledge * Ministry partners with financial groups to align resources and support teacher delivery Financial education will soon become a central part of learning for

* Nargis Girhotra will represent Southland youth at the 2025 Youth Parliament event * She brings wide community experience from leadership roles and volunteer activities * Her advocacy focuses on mental health, education, and climate change issues affecting youth Nargis Girhotra, a dedicated student leader from Invercargill, is preparing to represent her region