What we do

The TEC manages Government funding for tertiary education organisations (TEOs), provides policy advice and implementation across the sector, and provides relevant support to TEOs.

The Government’s investment of $3 billion each year into our tertiary education system contributes to the social and economic growth of the whole country. The system delivers greater prosperity, security and opportunities for New Zealanders, enabling them to develop the skills necessary to reach their full potential.

The Government’s priorities for tertiary education are:

• a high-trust and high-quality tertiary funding environment
• all students leaving the education system with worthwhile qualifications
• an appropriately trained and competent workforce.

In order to meet the Government’s expectations, we have established priorities which are set out in the annual Statement of Intent (PDF, 627 Kb). The two sets of current priorities are related to impacts on learners and the development of the tertiary system.

Working with other agencies is vital to achieving the Government’s education priorities. Key government agencies include the Ministry of Education, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Department of Labour and the Ministry of Social Development. We also engage with a range of private, education sector and industry representative groups.