Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has today announced it is investing in the New Zealand Certificate in Business Events (Level 4) “Te Haeata”, a new industry-led qualification designed to build a skilled workforce for New Zealand’s business events sector, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. 

Te Haeata has been developed by industry, for industry, and shaped by professionals with experience in delivering world-class events.

“This investment will help ensure our business events sector remains globally competitive, skilled and ready to meet future demand,” Louise Upston says. 

“Business events play a critical role in our visitor economy, attracting people who tend to spend more and travel during the off-peak season. 

“Te Haeata provides practical, industry-specific training to lift skills and standards in New Zealand’s business events sector. By investing in people and capability now, we’re supporting the development of a higher-wage sector and creating clear career pathways for tourism and hospitality workers.

“This qualification directly addresses workforce shortages in the tourism and business events sector, supporting our long-term goal of building a skilled domestic workforce.”

Te Haeata is expected to launch in Q1 2026. The qualification will be delivered online, making it accessible nationwide. 

It will be part of employment-based training, enabling recognition of practical experience and career progression. The first paper will also be available to be delivered in high schools from 2027 as a ‘taster’ pathway into the sector.

“Attracting and retaining talent is critical, and Te Haeata represents a major step forward in building the capability of our workforce to support sustainable growth for New Zealand’s business events, hospitality and tourism sectors,” Louise Upston says.

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

They are required to comply with statutory processes relating to the disposal of assets (including demolitions), or interests in assets (including granting of easements), and the leasing of land or buildings. Assets include land and buildings, plant and equipment and financial assets.
Capital Asset Management
The Government sets out its expectations for Capital Asset Management (CAM) in Cabinet Office Circulars.  We monitor the performance of TEIs against those expectations.  
Further information: Capital Asset Management for TEIs
Disposal of assets
Section 282(4) of the Education and Training Act 2020 (the Act) requires that TEIs obtain a written consent from the Secretary for Education to sell or otherwise dispose of assets or interests in assets, and to grant leases of land and buildings they own.
Under Section 282(5) of the Act the Minister may determine a value threshold below which a TEI may dispose of, mortgage, or otherwise charge an asset without the consent of the Secretary for Education. The Minister has issued separate determinations for the disposal of plant and equipment and financial assets, and disposal of land and building assets.
Section 282(5) of the Act also states that the granting of a lease for a total term of 15 years or less doesn’t need the consent of the Secretary for Education. The total term includes all rights-of-renewal.
The determination made by the Minister for disposal of land and buildings do not apply to Crown-owned land and buildings. TEIs cannot sell Crown-owned land and buildings under Section 282(5) of the Act. For information on options available to TEIs for the Crown-owned land and building assets they manage see Crown asset transfer and disposal. 
Capital project and expenditure thresholds for New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Section 327 of the Education and Training Act 2020 imposes a specific requirement on the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) to obtain the written consent of the Secretary for Education (the Secretary) for capital projects of NZIST.
Under section 327(1), a capital project may be undertaken by NZIST only if:
a. the cost of, or level of risk of, the project to NZIST is below thresholds set by the Secretary under 327(2); or
b. the project is within a capital plan of NZIST approved in writing by the Secretary; or
c. NZIST has obtained the written consent of the Secretary for the project.
Under section 327(2), the Secretary must consult with NZIST before setting thresholds for the purposes of subsection (1)(a).
The Secretary has consulted with the NZIST council on interim thresholds for the period through to 31 December 2026.
The interim thresholds set by the Secretary for the purposes of section 327(1)(a) will be published on behalf of the Ministry of Education here.
Interim Thresholds for Approval of Capital Expenditure by the Secretary of Education (PDF 117 KB) 
These interim thresholds will remain in place until further notice.
Consents for disposals of assets
For information on how to apply for consent to sell, or grant a long-term lease for, land or buildings owned by a TEI, see Disposal or long-term lease of land and buildings.
For information on how to apply for consent to demolish a TEI or Crown-owned building see Disposal or long-term lease of land and buildings.
For information on consents, including thresholds determined by the Minister, for the sale of plant and equipment and other assets (such as financial assets, computers and art or library collections) see Sale of plant and equipment and financial assets.

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Looking to apply for an exception?
AMFM rates

The 2026 AMFM is 6.00 percent. 
TEOs may increase their fees (GST exclusive) for eligible courses by up to 6.00 percent above what they charged in 2025.
The AMFM for 2025 was also set at 6.00 percent.

The AMFM rate for each year is published in the relevant year’s funding mechanisms.
Funding mechanisms and delegations
When AMFM applies
AMFM policy applies to courses funded through the following funds: 

Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) (DQ3-7) 
Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the NZQCF (DQ7-10).

It applies to fees that:

all domestic students are required to pay for provider-based learning, and
courses established by a TEO that are a substitute for an existing course on the same or similar subject matter, at the same or a similar level on the NZQCF, and
micro-credentials approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to be part of a programme leading to a qualification. 

For more information about micro-credential fees, see Micro-credentials. 
When AMFM doesn’t apply
Fees charged for industry training (ie, programmes or micro credentials) funded under DQ3-7 in the work-based modes of delivery are exempt. 
Flexibility for fee reductions
From 2024, if you reduce fees for a course across one or more calendar years, you can return to the maximum fee you charged before the reduction. You can then apply AMFM increases for the years in which the fee was reduced.
Note: This only applies from 2024. It does not apply to fee reductions made before 2024. 
Corresponding polytechnics and corresponding courses (2026–27)
Special AMFM rules apply to polytechnics established on or after 1 January 2026 and business divisions of of New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) delivering corresponding courses.
From 1 January 2026, if a polytechnic established on or after this date (or a business division of NZIST) delivers a corresponding course it may:

charge the fee that applied to that course before 1 April 2020, plus AMFM increases for each subsequent year, or
continue with the rate set by NZIST and increase that rate by the 2026 AMFM only.

Note: This provision is optional and time-bound (2026–27).
Definitions
Corresponding course means a course that:

was subject to NZIST’s programme unification process; and
is offered by a polytechnic established on or after 1 January 2026 or a business division of NZIST; and
is the same as or very similar to (as determined by the Tertiary Education Commission [TEC]) a course delivered by its corresponding polytechnic before 1 April 2020.

Corresponding polytechnic means a polytechnic that became a subsidiary of NZIST on 1 April 2020 that corresponds directly, either by name, location, or other unique identifying feature, to a polytechnic established on or after 1 January 2026.
AMFM classification (polytechnics and business divisions of NZIST)
What we’re defining
For the AMFM rule, we will treat any NZIST fee change between 1 April 2020 and 31 December 2025 as part of NZIST’s programme-unification activity. This includes programme roll-outs, network fee alignments, AMFM-only increases, and site-specific repricing.
What this allows
If you are a polytechnic established on or after 1 January 2026, or a business division of NZIST, you may charge the pre-1 April 2020 fee plus the cumulative AMFM for each subsequent year, provided:

the course’s fee was changed by NZIST at any point between 1 April 2020–31 December 2025
you are an eligible provider (2026 polytechnic or NZIST business division)
the course is the same as, or very similar to, the version offered by the corresponding polytechnic before 1 April 2020.

AMFM exceptions
Exception criteria
Under exceptional circumstances, you may be granted an exception that allows you to increase your 2026 fee by up to an additional 6.00 percent on top of the 6.00 percent permitted under the 2026 AMFM rule.
Applications must show that: 

it is financially unsustainable to deliver the course, in terms of the cost of delivering the course and taking into account the total income that the course would generate (including government funding and tuition fees), and that there are no satisfactory alternatives to limit cost
existing fees for the course are no more than the 75th percentile of the range of fees charged for similar courses, and
in addition, any two of the following three criteria must be met:

where the course is part of a programme at Levels 3–10 on the NZQCF that has been delivered previously, the programme has a cohort-based completion rate that meets or exceeds the median performance benchmark for the NZQCF level in the previous year
you can demonstrate that the course is in some way unique or special; for example, that there are no available local alternatives, and
not allowing an exception will prevent you from making a significant contribution to the achievement of one or more of the government’s priorities, as set out in the Tertiary Education Strategy.

Note: There is a limit to the number of courses for which a TEO can request an exception each year. For details on this, see AMFM exceptions: Application guidelines and assessment information (PDF 493 KB).
How to apply for an exception to the AMFM
The application process for 2026 is now open.
Applications are due by 5.00pm, 28 November 2025.
Applications are only for courses that start between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026.
Submit applications and all supporting information to our Customer Contact Team at customerservice@tec.govt.nz. Use the subject line [EDUMIS] – Exception to the AMFM.
Use the following forms and templates to make your AMFM exception application:

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  26 November 2025

The track, a tourist hotspot near Matamata, has been closed since 13 July due to high levels of rockfall activity and ongoing instability.

DOC Senior Ranger Heritage and Visitors Matiu Te Kani-McQueen says the closure provides opportunity.

“While we work on making the track safe, we will also be replacing a bridge, lookout platforms, steps, and barriers.”

“Ultimately, we’ll be reopening a safer and improved experience for all the people who enjoy this special place.”

Despite the closure, a small number of visitors have been ignoring signs and risking their own safety.

Matiu says the instability in the gorge area poses a risk of severe or life-threatening injury.

“One particularly large boulder, 3 meters wide, is set to break loose at any time. When it goes, it’s likely to take out the stairs and anyone on them. So, please comply with the closure for your own safety.”

“The lower track section remains open and visitors can safely enjoy a tranquil short walk including the iconic International Seat of Peace.”

“Alternatively, take the opportunity to try one of the many other beautiful walks in the nearby Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park,” suggests Matiu.

“Those desperate for a waterfall view might enjoy walks in Waiorongomai Valley, or the Henderson Tramline Loop Track.”

The Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park is a popular naturing destination for its cultural heritage, environmental values and rich mining history.

The closure of Wairere Falls Track will remain in place into 2026 while DOC works with geotechnical experts and mana whenua – Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Hinerangi and Raukawa – to address risk and upgrade the track.

Always check the DOC website for alerts on track conditions or closures.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders seeking mental health support will soon have a better understanding of what services are available to them, thanks to government funding for Whakarongorau to develop a mental health AI navigation platform, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says. 

“Not knowing where to go or who to talk to has been reported as the reason for unmet mental health needs in one third of children and more than a quarter of adults. This new platform will help remove those barriers and guide people to the right support,” Mr Doocey says. 

“People will be able to see what support is available in their area and in some instances, even book with them directly. Online tools will also be available to those reaching out on the platform, allowing us to intervene early and prevent problems from escalating. 

“The platform will enhance visibility of the current range of telehealth services as well as in-person options, such as mental health practitioners in GP practices or Gumboot Friday councillors making it clear that support is available no matter where you are in New Zealand. 

“Often, the first step in seeking support is the hardest. Many people don’t know where to start, and it can feel overwhelming. With a digital front door, Kiwis can access a tool that helps triage and guide them where to go and what to do. 

“As I’ve said previously, the mental health system is too fragmented and needs to be more joined up. Most people would be surprised by how much support exists. Which is why this platform aims to increase New Zealanders knowledge of what support is available. 

“This initiative is a good example of the answers to the issues we have in mental health are already in the sector but just need the opportunity to be backed. 

“We are clear that access to support should never be a barrier. Digital tools provide faster, 24/7 access, when and where people need it.

 “We are focused on delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response, digital tools can help make this happen.”

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand has joined the international Minerals Security Partnership to attract investment in our critical mineral sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters say.

“Joining the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) aligns with New Zealand’s ambitious Minerals Strategy which aims to double the value of minerals exports by 2035 and contribute to resilient and sustainable global minerals supply chains,” Mr Jones says. 

“Critical minerals are essential for technologies that power the modern world, from renewable energy systems to digital devices. 

“New Zealand is blessed with natural resources and talented firms creating cutting-edge technologies that are of great value to the world. Joining the MSP puts New Zealand alongside the world’s largest economies and will help to attract funding to realise the potential of our minerals sector,” Mr Jones says.  

“Joining the MSP is of significant importance for New Zealand’s international relationships,” Mr Peters says. 

“This partnership will leverage our natural resource potential and innovative technologies to create high-paying regional jobs which will have a global impact on secure and sustainable international supply chains.”

“New Zealand’s first Critical Minerals List, released in January, identifies 37 minerals vital to the economy and susceptible to supply chain risks. Many of these minerals are in high demand globally for use in clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing,” Mr Jones says. 

“Several countries have already seen significant benefits from MSP membership, including financing commitments for major projects. We expect similar opportunities for New Zealand as we continue to back our minerals sector.”

Editors’ note

The Minerals Security Partnership currently includes Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.