Ten polytechnics established
Te Whakatū Whare Takiura me ngā Kuratini
The Government has formally established 10 new stand-alone polytechnics, marking a major milestone in the transformation of the vocational education and training system.
The Government has formally established 10 new stand-alone polytechnics, marking a major milestone in the transformation of the vocational education and training system.
In 2025, the government initiated a significant transformation of the vocational education system, guided by a clear vision to create a system that is industry-led, learner-focused, and prepared for the future.
A central goal of this change is to make the system more regionally responsive, ensuring that decisions and delivery better reflect the needs of local communities and industries. This transformation represents more than a shift in governance; it is a commitment to expanding opportunities for learners, strengthening the capability of industries, and supporting regional communities.
The 10 new polytechnics will begin operating from 1 January 2026, when learners and staff transfer into the new organisations. These transfers are designed to be seamless – learners will continue to study and train in the same place with the same tutors.
Initial council members have been appointed and will make decisions to enable the polytechnics to operate in the new year. This includes appointing a chief executive and enabling the transfer of staff from New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST).
The initial council members of the 10 new polytechnics
Each polytechnic council will have six, seven or eight members in total. The balance of council members will be appointed in early 2026.
| Polytechnic name | Council member |
|---|---|
| The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand | Darren Linton – Chair Dr Neil Barns – Deputy Chair Maea Puriri-Pivac |
| Ara Institute of Canterbury | Hugh Lindo – Chair Michael Rondel – Deputy Chair Rick Hellings Andrea Leslie |
| Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec | Alastair Bell – Chair Simon Harding – Deputy Chair Ward Kamo Professor Sharon Brownie |
| Eastern Institute of Technology | David Pearson – Chair Chris Collins – Deputy Chair Tam Jex-Blake Kerry Marshall |
| Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology | Deryck Shaw – Chair Christa George – Deputy Chair Roana Bennett Leith Comer |
| Waikato Institute of Technology | Sheree Ryan – Chair Ken Williamson – Deputy Chair Sarah Morton-Johnson Edgar Wilson |
| Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology | Tony Gray – Chair Sarah-Jane Weir – Deputy Chair Lynette Rayner Lester Binns |
| Southern Institute of Technology | Rex Chapman – Chair Donna Howden – Deputy Chair Chris Ramsay |
| Otago Polytechnic | John Gallaher – Chair Rowena Davenport – Deputy Chair Michael Collins Scott Mason |
| Universal College of Learning | Leanne Southey – Chair Troy Hobson – Deputy Chair Dr Pim Borren Ian McKelvie |
Further decisions will be made in 2026 to establish a second tranche of stand-alone polytechnics, as well as design the operating model for the federation of polytechnics that includes the Open Polytechnic as the anchor and Otago Polytechnic and Universal College of Learning (UCOL) as federation polytechnics.