This is a major milestone in the transformation of New Zealand’s vocational education and training (VET) system.

The legislation supports regional decision-making and strengthens industry leadership in vocational education. Schools and students, including the ones planning to study next year, need to contact their local polytechnic to find out if there are any changes to courses or study programmes.

Key changes introduced by the Act#

Re-establishment of regionally led polytechnics#

From 1 January 2026, most programmes, functions, assets and staff will transfer from Te Pūkenga, now renamed the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST), to a network of regional polytechnics. Cabinet has confirmed in principle which institutions will operate as stand-alone polytechnics. These include those that will be supported by a new federation, and those that will remain within NZIST while continuing to build financial sustainability.

Creation of Industry Skills Boards#

Eight new statutory bodies will be established to represent defined groups of industries. These boards will be majority-governed by members nominated by industry and will undertake standards-setting across the VET system.

Transition period for work-based training#

The management of NZIST/Te Pūkenga’s work-based training will shift to Industry Skills Boards for up to 2 years, until NZIST/Te Pūkenga is disestablished. This will support the development of new programmes across private training establishments, polytechnics and Wānanga, while ensuring continuity for current learners.

Public feedback and amendments#

The Education and Workforce Committee received 210 written submissions and heard from 32 submitters. This feedback resulted in the following amendments:

• strengthening governance requirements for Industry Skills Boards
• clarifying transitional provisions for work-based training
• technical amendments to support the effective transfer of programmes, staff, and assets.

Next steps#

The Minister for Vocational Education conducted targeted consultation with key stakeholders and industry representatives in late October, before Cabinet formally confirms establishment of the new polytechnic and Industry Skills Boards through Orders in Council.

The Tertiary Education Commission is managing the set-up process to make sure all new organisations are operating from 1 January 2026.