Education

• Telford campus celebrates return of Zero Fees Scheme to support aspiring agricultural students • SIT aligns with government focus on training for future-ready primary industry careers • Free full-time study in 2026 removes major financial barriers for young domestic learners Southern Institute of Technology’s (SIT) Telford campus is welcoming back its

Opinion: Vocational education in Southland and around the country is at a pivotal moment, as changes to the polytechnic system deliver the opportunity to prioritise skills to meet today’s job market. A critical part of the current redesign is greater local industry and employer involvement, which will lead to

Proposed NCEA changes are designed to ensure that Southland students leave school with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in further education, training, or employment. It’s essential that young Southlanders receive a world class education that sets them up for life. At the moment kids are leaving

The Government is proposing to replace NCEA with new national qualifications that ensure young people have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford say. “We want every New Zealander to reach their full potential and contribute to a thriving economy—

Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds is overseeing huge changes to New Zealand's vocational education system. But after years of reform, could training providers stand alone as Te Pūkenga is dismantled? Related: OPINION: Putting Polytechnics Back in Local HandsBy Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for Vocational Education Vocational education is

Vocational Education Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced the appointment of Yvonne Browning MNZM to a vacant position on the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). “I am pleased to confirm the appointment of Mrs Browning to this role. She is passionate about ensuring students, particularly young women, can realise

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