NZ to Restore 10 Regional Polytechnics, Reviving Local Control by 2026

“Labour dismantled regionally-led vocational education – and we are restoring it,” — Penny Simmonds, Minister for Vocational Education

New Zealand’s vocational education landscape is set for a major overhaul as the government announces plans to re-establish ten regional polytechnics from 1 January 2026. This decisive move, outlined by Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds, marks the end of the contentious centralised model implemented under the previous Labour-led government and signals a return to locally governed and industry-responsive training institutions.

Describing the changes as a “major milestone,” Minister Simmonds said the reform will create a locally led, regionally responsive, and future-focused vocational education system that supports strong communities and economic growth.

“Labour dismantled regionally-led vocational education – and we are restoring it,” — Penny Simmonds, Minister for Vocational Education

---

Te Pūkenga’s Dissolution: From Centralisation to Regionalisation

Te Pūkenga, the mega-polytechnic entity established under Labour in 2020, merged 16 polytechnics and industry training organisations into a single institution. Critics labelled it “unwieldy and uneconomic,” arguing that the centralised structure disconnected institutions from their regional labour markets and employer needs. According to Simmonds, the changes disrupted local responsiveness and failed to deliver expected efficiencies or educational outcomes.

The upcoming reform will restore decision-making powers to the regions, allowing each polytechnic to tailor its programmes and operations to the specific needs of local industries, communities, and students.

---

The Ten Polytechnics to be Re-established

Effective 1 January 2026, the following ten institutions will regain their autonomy:

1. Ara Institute of Canterbury (Ara)

2. Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)

3. Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)

4. Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)

5. Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

6. Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)

7. Unitec Institute of Technology and Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) – merged as one entity

8. Otago Polytechnic

9. Universal College of Learning (UCOL)

10. The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand

Among them, The Open Polytechnic will serve as the anchor institution in a federated model alongside Otago Polytechnic and UCOL. This network will coordinate shared programmes, academic boards, and digital learning resources, ensuring cost efficiency while preserving regional adaptability.

---

Remaining Institutions Under Evaluation

Not all polytechnics will exit Te Pūkenga immediately. Four others will remain under the transitional umbrella as they work toward financial and structural viability:

• NorthTec

• Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)

• Whitireia and Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec)

• Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP)

The future of these institutions will be determined in the first half of 2026, with Te Pūkenga acting as a transitional management entity for up to one year post-reform. It will oversee the redistribution of unallocated programmes and ensure continuity during the restructuring.

---

Legislative Timeline and Industry Involvement

The transformation is part of a Bill currently before Parliament, now under review by the Education and Workforce Select Committee. Passage is expected by October 2025, paving the way for the official commencement of the new system in January.

Minister Simmonds extended her gratitude to those who submitted feedback during the legislative process. She noted that community and industry input had played a critical role in shaping the new model.

“Your feedback helped shape a better way forward,” — Minister Penny Simmonds

---

Key Benefits of the New Model

• Regional Responsiveness: Polytechnics will have the autonomy to respond directly to local training and employer demands.

• Industry Engagement: Employers will play a stronger role in curriculum and programme development.

• Financial Sustainability: The federated structure will reduce overheads while enhancing academic collaboration.

• Educational Relevance: Vocational education will become more aligned with emerging labour market needs and innovation sectors.

• Community Empowerment: Local governance will strengthen accountability, cultural connections, and institutional identity.

With more than 250,000 students enrolled in vocational education each year, the shift is poised to reshape New Zealand’s workforce development strategy.

---

Future Outlook: A Tailored, Collaborative System

While Labour’s Te Pūkenga initiative sought to create consistency across institutions, critics argued that uniformity came at the cost of agility and effectiveness. The new model retains the advantages of digital collaboration and programme alignment through federations, but reintroduces regional leadership and accountability.

Should a polytechnic fail to meet viability standards, the legislation allows for mergers or closures—providing the system flexibility without compromising quality.

Reclaiming Local Control in Education

The return to regional governance represents a philosophical and practical shift in how vocational training is delivered in New Zealand. It affirms the government’s belief that local institutions, when given the right support and autonomy, are best positioned to serve learners, employers, and communities alike.

This reform promises to rejuvenate trust in vocational education, fuel economic resilience, and prepare New Zealanders with the skills they need for a dynamic future.