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Ministry of Education New Zealand

When a tertiary education institution seeks to change its name, specific criteria must be met and process followed.

Key points

Section 266 of the Education and Training Act 2020 allows us to approve a tertiary education institution (TEI) name change on the recommendation of that TEI’s council.

A name change must be consistent with the nature of the services the tertiary education institution provides, the efficient use of national resources, the national interest, and the demands of accountability as set out in section 266 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

A wānanga or university can seek a name change using the processes identified in section 268 of the Education and Training Act 2020. If the wānanga, wants to use the term ‘university’, section 456 of the Education and Training Act 2020 applies.

The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology may seek a name change using the processes outlined in section 314 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Education and Training Act 2020 - New Zealand Legislation