Education
- Invercargill City Mayor hails return of SIT as a win for students.
- Government to reinstate standalone polytechnics from January 2026.
- Vocational education system redesign aims to strengthen regional economies.
The return of the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) as an autonomous institution has sparked optimism in Invercargill. Mayor Nobby Clark, a staunch opponent of Te Pūkenga, welcomed the change, saying, “I was always opposed to Te Pūkenga anyway. I felt that SIT was one of the best, if not the best, polytechnic in the country. Zero fees were country-leading.”
Clark emphasised the positive impact of zero fees for Kiwi students, highlighting how it helped them avoid hefty debts while attracting international students who contributed economically and filled vital job shortages, especially in hospitality. He added, “We’ll end up going back to that, and that’s got to be good.”
Major Government Reforms Announced
The Government has confirmed significant changes to vocational education and training (VET). Education and Training Minister Penny Simmonds announced the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga and plans to re-establish regional polytechnics as standalone entities by 1 January 2026. She noted, “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that are financially sustainable.”
Under the revised framework, decision-making will be returned to the regions, with input from industries to ensure work-based learning aligns with workforce needs. The Government also plans to amend the Education and Training Act 2020 to facilitate this transition. Decisions about the number, structure, and location of the new polytechnics will be made by mid-2025.
Focus on Regional Economies
The Government’s aim is to ensure learners across New Zealand have access to vocational education that supports economic growth in regional economies. Simmonds stressed that retaining young people in their communities is key to strengthening local industries. She acknowledged the financial struggles faced by the sector and the unresolved challenges since Te Pūkenga’s establishment.
Simmonds also announced targeted consultation on two work-based learning options early in 2025 to gather industry input on the transition process. A Cabinet decision on the final model, funding, and implementation will be made in 2025.
Support for Students and Employers
Learners and employers are assured that education and training will continue uninterrupted during the transition. “Although there may be some changes to how ITPs are organised, learners can continue to have confidence in their courses and qualifications,” Simmonds said.
Te Pūkenga, currently overseeing vocational education, will continue delivering programmes and courses. However, financial restructuring is underway, with decisions about programme closures still pending.
Local Perspective on the Decision
Mike Sanford, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of What’s On Invers, reflected on the political journey leading to this decision. “We were there streaming live back on 1st March 2019 when Hipkins lied to us at the public meeting,” he said. Sanford also noted that this announcement, coupled with Rio Tinto’s earlier commitment to Tiwai Point, signals a bright future for the region.
With regional polytechnics set to return in 2026, the Government is optimistic that these changes will provide stability after years of turbulence.