05 May 2026
5 months ago
1046 views
Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds has appointed Michelle Findlater to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) for a three-year term starting May 2026. Michelle, with extensive experience in the automotive industry and work-based training, has been recognized for her contributions and potential, including receiving the Janet Lane Scholarship from MITO. Her expertise is expected to support the TEC’s focus on enhancing access, participation, and achievement in tertiary education to build the workforce New Zealand needs.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1252 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a refreshed ministerial lineup to address economic challenges and enhance New Zealand's future, including key appointments such as Chris Penk to Defence and Penny Simmonds to Tertiary Education and Science. The reshuffle elevates the Energy portfolio due to recent security concerns and assigns new responsibilities to ministers like Chris Bishop as Attorney-General and Simon Watts as Minister for Auckland. Luxon also acknowledged the long service of Judith Collins and Shane Reti, who are leaving Parliament, and expressed gratitude for their contributions.
31 Mar 2026
6 months ago
1188 views
From 1 January 2027, four remaining polytechnics within NZIST will become stand-alone regional institutions supported by the Federation of Polytechnics, while Tai Poutini Polytechnic will merge with The Open Polytechnic to secure South Island campus delivery. This transition marks a key milestone in creating a locally led, financially sustainable vocational education system aligned with regional workforce needs and industry demands. The government emphasizes the importance of vocational training for local jobs, economic development, and clear pathways for young people in high-growth sectors, with detailed transition planning already underway.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1127 views
Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds has appointed Scott Haines JP, Principal of Burnside High School, to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Board for a three-year term starting July 1, 2026. Haines brings extensive school leadership experience and national contributions, including roles with SPANZ and NCEA advisory groups, which will support TEC’s role in connecting schools, employers, and tertiary organizations. His expertise will help implement the Government’s Tertiary Education Strategy focused on access, participation, and workforce development.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1324 views
The Government has introduced legislation to create the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), consolidating housing, transport, urban development, and environmental functions into one agency. This involves disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment and transferring its statutory responsibilities to MCERT, which will provide integrated advice to address economic and environmental challenges. MCERT is scheduled to be established by April 2026 and operational by July 2026, with a chief executive appointment forthcoming.
12 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1256 views
New Zealand has increased the permitted number of space launches from 100 to 1000 to support the rapid growth of its space and advanced aviation sectors, which are significant contributors to the economy. This change follows a regulatory review that found low environmental risks for up to 1000 launches and provides long-term certainty for industry planning until at least 2050. The government aims to double the size of these sectors by 2030, ensuring continued innovation and investment while maintaining clear environmental standards.
01 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1477 views
New Zealand has launched a reformed vocational education system with ten regionally governed polytechnics regaining control over local training decisions and eight new Industry Skills Boards overseeing work-based learning across key sectors. This shift aims to create a more responsive, agile, and accountable system aligned with community needs and industry demands, replacing the previous centralized model. The changes focus on delivering practical skills and qualifications that meet real employment opportunities, marking a significant new beginning for learners, employers, and regional development.
16 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1544 views
The Government has established the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) by merging four agencies to streamline housing, transport, urban development, and environmental reforms. MCERT aims to address New Zealand’s economic and environmental challenges through integrated planning, clearer accountability, and coordinated policy advice, improving outcomes for local government and communities. The new Ministry will be fully operational by July 2026, with a Chief Executive appointed earlier that year, enhancing efficiency and supporting ambitious reform agendas.
03 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1061 views
New Zealand’s Government has approved regulations for a nationwide rural recycling scheme that consolidates existing agrichemical and farm plastics programs into a single, free-to-use system to support sustainable farming and environmental protection. This industry-led initiative establishes a consistent product stewardship framework, encouraging shared responsibility among producers, sellers, and users to reduce waste and environmental impact while improving productivity. The scheme also extends benefits beyond farming, providing national take-back services for forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and local authorities, promoting safer and cleaner rural communities.
02 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1120 views
New Zealand’s new Tertiary Education Strategy focuses on equipping students with skills and knowledge that lead to strong careers and support a productive, innovative economy. It emphasizes employment outcomes, economic impact, access, collaboration, and international engagement, aligning with broader reforms in universities and vocational education. The Strategy also prioritizes responsive regional training, foundation education, and work experience to ensure all learners, especially those at risk, can contribute to the country’s success.
02 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1065 views
Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has announced the appointments to the eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs), which are now formally established to replace the Workforce Development Councils. Each ISB, composed of industry-nominated members and ministerial appointees, will set standards, shape qualifications, and ensure vocational training aligns with employer needs and workforce demands. These boards aim to deliver practical, trusted qualifications that support quality jobs and drive New Zealand’s economic growth through a modern, connected work-based learning system.
02 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1098 views
Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has announced ministerial appointments to the governing councils of New Zealand’s ten re-established polytechnics, restoring local leadership and regional decision-making. These councils, comprising three to four members with staggered terms, aim to strengthen community and industry connections, enabling polytechnics to respond effectively to local needs and deliver practical skills. This shift from centralized control empowers regions to shape vocational education, ensuring accountability and alignment with industry demands for the benefit of learners and employers.
17 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1077 views
The Ministry for Social Development, in partnership with the Carers Alliance and advisory groups, has launched a consultation on a draft action plan to support unpaid or informal carers in New Zealand. The plan focuses on three key areas: recognition and appreciation, health and wellbeing, and financial security. Feedback from carers is being sought through workshops, surveys, and submissions until 12 February 2026 to help shape the final strategy.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1162 views
Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has appointed four new members to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Board: Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM, Dr Uluomato'otua Saulaulu Aiono ONZM, Mr Simon Flood, and Mr Michael Chapman. These appointments aim to enhance the TEC Board's capabilities in driving the Government's priorities for the tertiary education system, including regional polytechnic re-establishment and skills-focused investment. The new Board members, appointed for a three-year term, bring diverse expertise to guide the TEC's strategic direction under the continued leadership of Dr Alan Bollard CNZM and Robin Hapi CNZM.
04 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1027 views
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds expressed gratitude for Dr Allan Freeth's ten years of service as Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), highlighting his leadership in implementing new risk assessment models and enhancing scientific expertise to improve decision-making efficiency. Dr Freeth played a key role in the establishment of the Fast-track process, aligning with the government's objective to facilitate prompt and well-informed decisions supporting New Zealand's development. The EPA Board will now initiate the selection process for a new Chief Executive to continue the organization's mission of providing timely, transparent, and reliable assessments for the benefit of the country and its environment.