Changes to the vocational education and training (VET) system
Te whakawhitiwhiti kōrero mō ngā huringa e marohitia ana ki te pūnaha mātauranga ahumahi me te whakangungu (VET)
In December 2023, the Government announced its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and Workforce Development Councils (WDCs).
In December 2023, the Government announced its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and Workforce Development Councils (WDCs).
The Government plans to establish Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) to manage standards-setting and associated functions and will re-establish institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) as either stand-alone or federated entities.
In December 2024, the Government agreed to introduce legislation that would:
- disestablish Te Pūkenga
- enable the establishment of ITPs as either stand-alone or federated entities
- establish ISBs to manage standards-setting and associated functions.
In 2025, Cabinet made decisions on:
- the future model for work-based learning
- the number and coverage of ISBs
- which ITPs will be established as independent entities on 1 January 2026.
More information
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) – changes to vocational education
Redesign of Vocational Education and Training System – Ministry of Education