The TEC was established on 1 January 2003 under section 159C of the Education Act 1989. The Minister responsible is the Minister for Tertiary Education, Hon Pete Hodgson. The Associate Ministers for Tertiary Education are Hon Jim Anderton, and Hon Maryan Street.
The TEC is implementing a new way of planning, funding and monitoring tertiary education in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The TEC is the lead agency for managing relationships with the tertiary sector and for policy development.
The TEC is responsible for funding the government’s contribution to tertiary education and training offered by universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, wananga, private training establishments, foundation education agencies, industry training organisations and adult and community education providers.
Through the Tertiary Advisory Monitoring Unit (TAMU), the TEC also monitors the financial, leadership and governance performance of all 31 tertiary education institutions.
The TEC works with the tertiary education sector to implement the government’s Tertiary Education Strategy 2007 – 2012 (incorporating Statement of Tertiary Education Priorities 2008 – 2010).
The long-term outcome we want is a well-performing network of provision that produces quality outcomes for learners, and stakeholders and supports government's goals for: economic transformation, families young and old, and national identity.
Our Mission
The TEC works with the tertiary education sector and others to enhance the relevance of, foster excellence in, and enable access to tertiary education and training so that all can meet their full potential and contribute to New Zealand’s ongoing development and wellbeing.
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Our Responsibilities
The TEC's responsibilities are:
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allocating more than $3 billion annually to tertiary education organisations according to a new integrated funding framework;
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working with TEOs to produce an Investment Plan that outlines how they will respond to government direction in the TES/STEP;
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building the capability and capacity of tertiary education and training to contribute to national economic and social goals;
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advising government on policies, priorities and sector performance; and
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monitoring the financial, leadership and governance performance of tertiary education institutions.
All forms of post-school education and training come under the TEC's umbrella. These range from full-time academic study, on-job and work-related training right through to tertiary research and development, foundation education, distance education and part-time study. For more detailed information on specific programmes or funds visit Education and Training and Funding on this website.
A priority for the TEC is to work closely with other government agencies that share responsibility for developing New Zealand’s knowledge society. The TEC takes an active role in facilitating collaboration and co-operation within the tertiary education system, as well as to facilitate greater system connectedness to New Zealand businesses, communities, iwi and enterprises.
Other agencies include:
Legislation