Govt Consulting on Reforms to Replace Failed Te Pūkenga System with Regional Vocational Education Overhaul

Simmonds criticized the previous government’s Te Pūkenga mega-merger, describing it as a financial disaster with over $250 million in debt and a cumbersome, centralized bureaucracy.

The New Zealand Government is consulting on reforms to replace the unsuccessful Te Pūkenga initiative with a new, financially sustainable vocational education and training system, according to Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds.

Simmonds criticized the previous government’s Te Pūkenga mega-merger, describing it as a financial disaster with over $250 million in debt and a cumbersome, centralized bureaucracy. She stated that the system has not met its goal of delivering quality education to regional areas.

The proposed reforms aim to establish a more effective vocational education and training framework with genuine regional control. This new system is intended to provide essential skills, knowledge, and career pathways to support New Zealand's economic prosperity.

Over the next six weeks, the Government is inviting New Zealanders to provide feedback on the proposed changes, focusing on three key areas:

Redesigning the Institute of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP) Network: This involves maintaining access to tertiary education in regional areas through a mix of stand-alone and federated ITPs.

Industry-Led Standards and Training: Exploring options for an industry-driven approach to setting standards and conducting training.

Vocational Education Funding Changes: Adjusting funding mechanisms starting in 2026 to better support the reformed system.

Simmonds emphasized the importance of restoring polytechnics as key learning hubs and regional development tools. She urged people to share their views to help shape a more effective and sustainable vocational education sector that aligns with the needs of employers, employees, and communities.