This Bill disestablishes the centralised model created under Te Pūkenga and enables the re-establishment of, initially, ten regionally governed polytechnics.

It also establishes eight Industry Skills Boards to lead standard-setting, qualification development and temporarily manage work-based training across defined industry groups. These will be operational from 1 January 2026.

For a two-year transitional period, Industry Skills Boards will manage existing work-based training to give time for new arrangements for this to be developed by polytechnics, private training establishments and wānanga.

To read Minister Simmonds’ media release visit Beehive.govt.nz.

For more information on the vocational education and training changes, see Changes to the vocational education and training (VET) system.