Establishment of new polytechnics
Te Whakatū Whare Takiura me ngā Kuratini
This page has information on the polytechnics being established in January 2026, the members of the Establishment Advisory Groups (EAGs), and the EAGs’ role in preparing for the polytechnics’ establishment.
This page has information on the polytechnics being established in January 2026, the members of the Establishment Advisory Groups (EAGs), and the EAGs’ role in preparing for the polytechnics’ establishment.
On this page:
- Decisions on new polytechnics to be established in January 2026
- Introducing the EAGs for the new polytechnics
- The role of the EAGs
Decisions on new polytechnics to be established in January 2026
In December 2024, the Government agreed to introduce legislation to disestablish Te Pūkenga and enable the establishment of institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs). The intent of this change is to restore regional decision-making for vocational education.
The Government has agreed (subject to the passing of legislation and the approval of Orders in Council) to establish 10 ITPs on 1 January 2026, either as stand-alone entities or as stand-alone within the federation:
| Polytechnic | Region | Membership of federation |
|---|---|---|
| The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand | National online learning | Anchor polytechnic of federation |
| Ara Institute of Canterbury | Canterbury | Stand-alone |
| Unitec/Manukau Institute of Technology | Auckland | Stand-alone single entity |
| Eastern Institute of Technology | Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti | Stand-alone |
| Toi Ohomai | Bay of Plenty | Stand-alone |
| Wintec | Waikato | Stand-alone |
| Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology | Top of South Island | Stand-alone |
| Southern Institute of Technology | Southland and Queenstown | Stand-alone |
| Otago Polytechnic | Otago including Central Otago | Stand-alone within federation |
| Universal College of Learning | Manawatū, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua | Stand-alone within federation |
The government has agreed in principle to establish Unitec and Manukau Institute of Technology as a single entity.
Four other ITPs (NorthTec, Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, Whitireia/WelTec, and Tai Poutini Polytechnic) will remain within Te Pūkenga as they continue to find a pathway to viability. Decisions on the future of these polytechnics will be proposed during the first half of 2026.
Introducing the EAGs for the new polytechnics
We are pleased to announce the members of the EAGs for the new polytechnics.
Appointing members to these groups is a key milestone for the redesign of the vocational education and training system. It is expected that many of the EAG members will transition to form the membership of the new polytechnic councils and will have a role in ensuring there is a sustainable network of training providers with regional leadership that is responsive to the needs of learners, employers, industries, and the relevant region.
There is a dedicated EAG for each new polytechnic that will be established in January 2026. These groups bring together a diverse mix of leaders, selected for their connection to a specific region and their proven governance capabilities.
We are pleased to have them undertake this work on behalf of the future polytechnics.
| Establishment Advisory Group | Members |
|---|---|
| The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand | Darren Linton (Chair) Dr Neil Barns Dr Thérèse Arseneau |
| Ara Institute of Canterbury | Dr Neil Barns (Chair) Rick Hellings Hugh Lindo |
| Unitec/Manukau Institute of Technology | Alastair Bell (Chair) Simon Harding Ward Kamo |
| Eastern Institute of Technology | David Pearson (Chair) Kerry Marshall Tam Jex-Blake |
| Toi Ohomai | Deryck Shaw (Chair) Roana Bennett Christa George |
| Wintec | Ken Williamson (Chair) Sheree Ryan Sarah Morton-Johnson |
| Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology | Sarah-Jane Weir (Chair) Lester Binns Brian Johnston |
| Southern Institute of Technology | Maree Howden (Chair) Rex Chapman Peter Heenan |
| Otago Polytechnic | John Gallaher (Chair) Rowena Davenport Scott Mason |
| Universal College of Learning | Leanne Southey (Chair) Dr Pim Borren Troy Hobson |
The role of the EAGs
EAGs make “in principle” decisions to enable the new polytechnics to stand up successfully on Day One. These decisions are intended to be confirmed by the councils when they are established.
The key tasks for EAGs will be to:
- determine the size of the polytechnic council and endorse the constitution for the new council
- select (via a recruitment process) a Chief Executive-designate who can be appointed by the council of the polytechnic once established
- endorse key policies that the governing body may need to adopt from 1 January 2026
- oversee the preparation of documentation that the governing body and the Chief Executive of the organisation will require on 1 January 2026.
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will provide information, coordination and administrative support to the EAGs.
During 2025, Te Pūkenga council continues to have full authority over all aspects of the polytechnic business divisions. The EAGs’ role is exclusively to perform a defined set of set-up functions for the new polytechnics which do not start operating until 2026.