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

VET reform decision announced – December 2024

On 20 December, the Government announced the redesign of the VET system.

We learnt that the six WDCs would be replaced by six to eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) on 1 January 2026, the number and configuration of which was to be decided.

The Minister then undertook a short, targeted consultation with selected stakeholders on two options for ISB functions.

Consultation on Industry Skills Boards’ coverage – April 2025

On 24 April 2025, the Government announced it was seeking feedback on the configuration and number of ISBs and released a proposal to support the consultation process. Consultation closed on 20 May.

It proposed seven ISBs to manage standards setting and associated functions within the VET education and training system. Industries not allocated an ISB (including Creative and IT) would shift to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

TEC Consultation Document ISB Coverage

Minister’s announcement

Toi Mai response

We encouraged stakeholders to make a submission to ensure they have a say in shaping the future of the VET system and not lose leadership oversight of industry skills training.

Key issues that Toi Mai and industry needed to address in submissions included:

• Advocate for Creative and Technology industries to be allocated to an ISB and not NZQA – the important Creative industries (including ngā Toi Māori, screen, theatre, graphic design, game development, live music and performance) and Digital and Information Technology are not included in the ISBs, and would go to NZQA, meaning qualifications and other formal training will be less responsive to industry needs than in traditional, lower-growth industries such as the automotive industry.
• Point out that numerous subsectors are missing from the proposal, including content creation, journalism, floristry, event & entertainment technology, audio engineering, piano tuning, libraries, records & archives, conservation.
• If industries have been allocated an ISB – is it the right one?

Special pānui to support stakeholders with their submissions

Read the full Toi Mai ISB submission

ISB Establishment Advisory Groups – call for nominations

On 28 April 2025, the TEC invited industries to nominate representatives to help establish the ISBs. Each ISB will have an Establishment Advisory Group (EAG) consisting of three members. Candidates need strong governance and change management skills, an industry background, and an understanding of education and training.

EAGs will be responsible for ensuring each ISB can successfully stand up on day one – 1 January 2026, including appointing a Chief Executive.

Help establish Industry Skills Boards | Tertiary Education Commission – information about the EAGs and a link to the nomination form.

Nominations close on 13 June 2025.

Vocational Education and Training System Amendment Bill – May 2025

Legislation disestablishing Te Pūkenga, replacing it with a network of regional polytechnics and establishing Industry Skills Boards to replace Workforce Development Councils was introduced to Parliament on 21 May 2025.

Submissions on the Bill are open, closing 18 June 2025.

Read the bill – find out which stage the bill is currently at and how to make a submission. Note, there is currently no date for the first reading of the Select Committee.

Key dates