Background: Redesign of the vocational education and training (VET) system

Our cultural, creative, technology and recreation industries are critical to ensuring Aotearoa has a highly productive and innovative economy – now and in the future.

On 1 August 2024, the Government announced its proposals for disestablishing the WDCs and Te Pūkenga and instigated a six-week consultation period in which it is seeking feedback on three parts of the vocational education system:

• A redesigned Institute of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP) network that retains access to ITP provision in regions, through a combination of stand-alone and a federation of ITPs
• Options for an industry-led system for standards-setting and industry training (disestablishing and replacing WDCs with industry bodies, and deprioritising cultural, recreation, creative and tech industries)
• Changes to vocational education funding from 2026 to better support the reformed system.

Consultation closed on 12 September 2024.

What does this mean for Toi Mai and its industries?

Below is a letter from the Toi Mai Board Co-chairs, CEO and Poumatua with more details:

Read the letter to stakeholders.

Toi Mai has since provided a submission which relates largely to the options within Proposal 2 – Establishing an industry-led system for standards-setting and industry training.

Read the Toi Mai submission.

Toi Mai is unlikely to have as much influence on this consultation process as your industry voice. Cabinet has indicated it wants to hear from industries first-hand.

Toi Mai industry webinar

On 23 August 2024, Toi Mai hosted a webinar for industry and key stakeholders to hear from the Tertiary Education Commission on the proposals for vocational education reform, including options for the replacement of workforce development councils.

The purpose of the webinar was to outline the proposed changes and why it is important to provide feedback on this consultation.

Click on the video below to watch the webinar and listen in on the important kōrero.