Today is a big day for regional communities who had their polytechnics dismantled by Labour. Students, industry and communities across New Zealand will be delighted that we are re-establishing 10 polytechnics across the country from 1 January next year. 

 

It’s clear from the start that Labour’s merger of all regional polytechnics into a single mega Polytech wouldn’t work for anyone – and it hasn’t.

National strongly campaigned on putting control for industry training back into the heart of communities and that is what we are delivering today. 
 
With over 250,000 students in the system each year, this shift will make vocational training more flexible, financially sustainable, and job relevant.
 
Our decision restores regional decision-making in the Polytech sector to better support local industry, strong communities and economic growth. 
 
National is laser focused on growing the economy to create jobs and lift wages. A key part of that is ensuring NZ has a skilled workforce. Regional polytechnics not only develop our workforce for the future, they also employ a number of people in the regions. 
 
We're rebuilding vocational education, so it works better- for learners, for businesses, and for New Zealand’s future.
 
Spokesperson for Vocational Education

Penny Simmonds
 
PS for more detail, read the press release here.