What’s happened so far – the engagement process

Throughout 2018, the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) engaged with vocational education and training sector stakeholders, including learners (students, industry trainees and apprentices), employers, iwi, business, industry groups, local government, education and training providers and their staff, and a variety of peak bodies.

As a result of this engagement, this Government has three main proposals for change:

• New roles for providers and industry bodies
• A New Zealand Institute of Skills & Technology serving all of New Zealand
• A unified funding system

On 13 February 2019, the Minister of Education Chris Hipkins presented the three proposals to the vocational education and training sector and launched a seven-week consultation. The consultation was open for everyone to provide feedback on.

Engagement events

The consultation documents describe the proposed changes.

• Consultation discussion document, also available in te reo Māori
• Roles of providers and industry bodies - technical discussion document
• New Zealand Institute of Skills & Technology - technical discussion document
• Unified funding system - technical discussion document

What next?

Consultation has now closed but engagement with the sector and those affected will continue throughout the design process. The input of those who work within the sector is vital to ensuring we get this right and the system we end up with does what we have set out to achieve.

The Minister of Education will present his recommendations to Cabinet mid-2019, with the outcome expected to be announced sometime after. The exact dates are still to be confirmed.

Keeping you informed

If you attended one of the events or meetings and provided us with your email address you will receive regular updates on the project and what is happening. 

If you would like to receive these updates, please email us at vocationaleducation.reform@education.govt.nz

Additional information

These factsheets may help you to understand the proposals:

• Learners factsheet
• Employers factsheet
• Iwi and Māori stakeholders factsheet
• Iwi and Māori stakeholders factsheet - in te reo Māori
• Pacific learners factsheet
• Pacific learners factsheet - Cook Island Māori
• Pacific learners factsheet - Niuean
• Pacific learners factsheet - Samoan
• Pacific learners factsheet - Tokelauan
• Pacific learners factsheet - Tongan
• Disabled learners factsheet
• Regions factsheet
• International education factsheet
• ITO factsheet
• ITP factsheet
• PTE factsheet
• Wānanga factsheet
• Wānanga factsheet- in te reo Māori
• Universities factsheet
• Secondary schools factsheet

Additional information on is available at these links:

• About the Current Vocational Education System
• What previous engagement has taken place

Information concerning the decision-making process for the Reform of Vocational Education proposals can be found at the following links:

• Background papers
• Regulatory Impact Statement

 If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at vocationaleducation.reform@education.govt.nz or on 0800 462 543.