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Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Can you please explain the different groups involved in the changes?

ISBsIndustry Skills Boards

Industry Skills Boards are new entities that will be established formally from 1 January 2026. 
They have a core role of standard setting for vocational education across their allocated sectors. They will also work to share the voice of industry and advise TEC about workforce needs.
Each ISB will be set up through an Order in Council and will be industry led. (Six out of eight board members will come from industry.) 

ISB EAGsIndustry Skills Boards Establishment Advisory Groups

These groups will exist from mid-2025 until the end of the year to support the establishment of the new ISBs. 
Their focus is on governance and organisation establishment rather than industry advocacy. 

ITPsInstitutes of technology and polytechnics

ITPs are independent regional polytechnics that will be established in 2026. The location of the first of these will be decided by the government in mid-2025. Further decisions will be made during 2026.

ITP EAGsInstitutes of Technology and Polytechnics Establishment Advisory Groups

These groups will exist from mid-2025 until the end of the year to support the set-up of the ITPs that are being established at the beginning of 2026. 
Their focus is on establishing the regional polytechnics as they are split out from the national entity of Te Pūkenga. 

ITOsIndustry training organisations

Before the Reform of Vocational Education in 2023, all work-based training was delivered by ITOs. In 2023, most work-based training done in ITOs moved into Te Pūkenga, becoming the work-based learning divisions. Many of the entities continued to use their ITO branding even though ITOs did not technically exist in the system from 2023. 
These work-based learning divisions of Te Pūkenga will move into ISBs on 1 January 2026, for up to two years.

PTEsPrivate training establishments

PTEs are registered with and quality assured by NZQA. They are training providers who have met specific requirements. Training providers (that are not a university, polytechnic or wānanga) must hold PTE registration to be eligible for TEC funding. PTEs may be companies or not-for-profit organisations.

VETVocational education and training

Vocational education and training includes all provision at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework, as well as Level 2 when it is delivered in the workplace.
It does not include degree-level provision or foundation education.
VET can be delivered in the workplace (work-based) in a classroom/campus setting (provider-based) or by distance and online learning (extramural). 

TECTertiary Education Commission

TEC’s core role in the VET system is funding. We fund the provision at this level in line with funding mechanisms from government.

NZQANew Zealand Qualifications Authority

NZQA assures the quality and integrity of New Zealand qualifications. They register providers, quality assure programmes and, for some areas, act as a standard setter. They also oversee the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice.

Work-based learning divisions
When the work-based learning divisions move into ISBs on 1 January 2026, will they stop enrolling new learners?
No. At this point we expect that all work-based learning divisions will still be enrolling new learners from 1 January.
When we have reached the point where there are sufficient providers for a sector, we will:
 (a) not fund additional providers; and
 (b) require ISBs to cease enrolling new learners (if provision remains with them).
ISBs will have the role of informing TEC about the network of work-based learning provision (number and types of providers) that industry needs. This will inform the funding of new providers, and the expectations on the work-based learning divisions.
ISBs will begin this work in January 2026, and we expect it to take time for them to gather this information from industry.
Why is work-based learning moving to the ISBs?
We appreciate that learners, employers and educators may have some concerns about possible disruption to work-based training because of the upcoming changes. The transition period (2026–2027) has been put in place to minimise disruption for learners and employers as the functions currently under Te Pūkenga work-based learning lift-and-shift unchanged into the ISBs.
Will the work-based learning divisions of the new ISBs be able to continue developing programmes? Or does all new development stop on 1 January 2026?
The focus for work-based learning during the transition period (where the training units sit within the ISBs) will be on preparing for transfer, rather than growing. There will, however, be cases where new standards, credentials or qualifications will be required to meet industry needs. In these cases, new provision will be supported.
What is happening with ITOs?
ITOs ceased to exist in 2022, although many Te Pūkenga work-based learning business divisions continued to use their old ITO names. Te Pūkenga work-based learning divisions will move temporarily into ISBs. This work-based learning will move into providers (including polytechnics, wānanga and PTEs) by 31 December 2027.
Industry Skills Boards
How many ISBs are there and what do they cover?
We are currently awaiting decisions on the number of ISBs and their broad coverage.
Further consultation will happen later this year when the ISB EAGs consult around detailed coverage as part of the Order in Council (OIC) process to formally establish the ISBs.
Why are you putting standard setting and delivery/arranging of training back together?
The training functions that are moving into the ISBs will only be there temporarily. By January 2028, no training will be delivered by ISBs. During the transition period, the training unit will sit within the ISB but will not be fully integrated into it.
How will you ensure ISBs manage the conflict of interest involved with being both the standard setter and a training deliverer?
During the transition period, each training unit will sit within the relevant ISB but will not be fully integrated into it, as this arrangement is only temporary.
If industries are grouped together in one ISB, will they stop having unique qualifications?
No. ISBs will be able to create and maintain standards, credentials and qualifications that are specific to the sectors they cover – in the same way Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) do.
I am worried that ISBs will only look after work-based learning.
ISBs will create and maintain standards, credentials and qualifications for all the sectors they cover at the vocational level. This will include products that support provider-based (including polytechnic) delivery, and extramural programmes as well as work-based learning.
How will industry continue to have a voice in the system when there is only provider-based learning for their sector?
An ISB will take on vocational standard setting for its entire sector, not just for the work-based learning elements. This means it will be responsible for all standards, credentials and qualifications for that sector.
The term “industry” is very broad. When you say industry will inform choices who do you mean?
ISBs have a role in communicating industry voice, and their governance will be industry led. ISBs will work with established industry groups and associations as well as employers and other sector stakeholders. ISBs will be expected to put in place mechanisms that identify the needs of all industries they represent.
What expectations does TEC have regarding collaboration between the ISB Establishment Advisory Groups?
We have an expectation for all ISBs and ISB Establishment Advisory Groups that they work together cooperatively, especially where the qualifications they cover will impact multiple sectors.
What will happen to WDCs? What will be done to ensure expertise in WDCs is retained in the new system?
The standard-setting functions of WDCs will continue until the end of 2025, when they will be disestablished and ISBs will be stood up. In the upcoming months, WDCs will develop plans to transfer relevant functions to ISBs.
ISBs have a more targeted role than WDCs. It is expected that WDC staff involved in these functions will transition into ISBs.
PTEs that deliver work-based training
What happens to work-based learners and apprentices who are studying through a PTE?
There is currently a small network of PTEs that are funded by TEC to deliver work-based learning. These PTEs will be able to continue enrolling and delivering the provision they currently do.
All TEC funded providers are given a funding allocation for the year and their enrolments must stay within that allocation. There is no guarantee of funding for providers that enrol above their allocation.
Who is responsible for determining who is eligible to become a new PTE or work-based provider? What will the criteria be?
NZQA determines whether an organisation has the appropriate capability to become a registered provider (PTE). TEC determines whether the provider’s offering is suitable for government funding. Funding decisions will be informed by industry preferences about a network of provision.
How does a PTE start being TEC funded to deliver work-based learning?
Currently we will only fund new work-based learning PTEs in cases where the provider can demonstrate significant industry support. Our requirements for this will be stringent. For details, see Application to receive TEC funding.
ISBs will work with industry during 2026 and beyond to understand the network of work-based learning provision that each sector needs. This information will inform TEC funding. Until this information is received, TEC will not have a clear picture of what provision will be both sustainable and sufficient to meet industry needs.
In most cases we encourage providers to read the guidance information about what we are looking for in work-based learning and start to prepare for future opportunities.
These same criteria will be applied to existing work-based learning providers that may wish to expand their provision.
What are the new funding parameters for work-based learning? This is a critical pathway for all providers as business owners.
See the TEC website for work-based learning funding rates.
Managed apprenticeships
Do Managed Apprentices stay with their Polytech provider or move to an ISB in January 2026?
Currently, no changes are expected for Managed Apprentices already enrolled with a Polytechnic.
We are currently working through the detail of what Managed Apprenticeships will look like in the future. Like other work-based provision, we do not want to see expansion before ISBs have had the opportunity to consider the network of provision needed for their sectors.
The stand up of regional ITPs
How do we find out which polytechnics will be standalone and which will be part of a federation?
These decisions are being worked through. We will update this information when details are available.
Will regional ITPs be able to offer programmes nationally?
Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) are being set up to deliver regionally, to maximise the strength of local knowledge. We expect that this will be the main focus of their provision, however, we will consider other arrangements if these have the support of industry.
Secondary/tertiary provision
What is happening with standard setting and delivery for secondary to tertiary transition programmes like Gateway and Trades Academies?
We will be looking at how these programmes will be supported, and expect this information to be covered in the transition plans developed by WDCs and Te Pūkenga work-based learning divisions.

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has welcomed prescribing changes that will enable GPs and nurse practitioners to diagnose and treat adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

“I applaud Pharmac and Medsafe’s decision to widen prescribing rules for ADHD medicines from next February, this decision will give New Zealanders faster access to assessments and treatment,” Mr Doocey says.

“This is a common-sense change that will make a meaningful difference in many lives of New Zealanders. I have heard stories of many people with ADHD who have been unable to get a diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner because of long wait items and costs associated with seeing a specialist.”

Currently, GPs and nurse practitioners can only prescribe ADHD medicines to patients with a written recommendation from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, or after someone has already been diagnosed and had their first prescription.

“This is a great step forward for timely access to support and for system efficiency. A number of our GPs and nurse practitioners are already working closely with psychiatrists to treat ADHD, so they already have the skills to manage this work,” Mr Doocey says.

“It is still crucial that we balance risks. The Ministry of Health is working with sector representatives to develop a clinical principles framework for the assessment and treatment of ADHD. This will ensure there is quality and consistency for supporting patients with ADHD in New Zealand.

“I want to acknowledge the many advocates with lived experience and others who have spent years advocating for this change. This decision is based on the recommendations received from both healthcare practitioners and patients.

“We have heard your feedback loud and clear, and we know the positive impact this decision will have on many people’s ability to access what is often life-changing medicines.”

This change is only one in a suite of measures to increase access to ADHD medicines. Last year, Pharmac also removed the requirement for funded access to stimulant medicines to be renewed every two years and is funding a new ADHD medicine, lisdexamfetamine.

Note to editors:

• Health agencies will be working closely with health sector groups over the next few months to support these changes. Not all GPs and nurse practitioners will be equipped to carry out this work immediately after the regulatory changes come into effect.
• For younger people under 18, this change will allow nurse practitioners working within a multidisciplinary setting as part of paediatric or child and adolescent mental health services to diagnose and start treatment for ADHD.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is recognising Matariki at the official ceremony near Ohakune today, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.

“We are honoured to be guests of Ngāti Rangi for this traditional hautapu ceremony,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“This is the fourth national Matariki broadcast but the first time it has been hosted by a marae, and the first year Puanga is the star of national celebrations. 

“Matariki and Puanga are both stars that sit in the night sky together to signal the start of the Māori new year for different iwi. 

“We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to witness and share in the Puanga traditions of Ngāti Rangi.

“The theme for this year’s celebration is Matariki mā Puanga, which means celebrating together. I hope that no matter where people are, they get the chance to remember, celebrate and look to the future. Mānawatia a Matariki!”

“For many Iwi, Puanga shines brightest above our communities as we grow the tradition of celebrating together,” Mr Potaka says.

“These Puanga observations signal the year is coming to a close, and inform forecasts for the future. It’s a time to reflect on the past, remembering and giving thanks to those who have passed on before us.

“It’s also a time to reflect on what was achieved over the past year. Along with the rising of Matariki, we welcome the dawn of a new year and plan ahead with ancestral wisdom.”

Source: PHARMAC

Source: New Zealand Government

A United Nations report ranking New Zealand’s fisheries among the world’s most sustainable is strong recognition of the sector’s hard work, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“The report compared fisheries around the world and found the region including New Zealand’s waters have the second highest levels of sustainable stocks in the world.

“New Zealand has a reputation around the world for high quality, sustainable kaimoana and, as this report shows, the reputation is richly deserved,” Mr Jones says.

The review of the state of world marine fishery resources report is produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to give an overview of the state of fisheries around the world.

The section of the report on the Southwest Pacific, including all of New Zealand and the Australian New South Wales coast, said 85.5 percent of fish stocks were considered sustainably fished.

“The report confirms what we already knew – that the quota management system (QMS) works well to keep our fisheries sustainable and continues to be the best framework for managing fisheries sustainably,” Mr Jones says.

“It is a good validation of our approach and it didn’t happen by accident. It is the result of generations of effort since the introduction of our quota management system in 1986. Fishers, scientists, kaitiaki, volunteers and regulators all work hard to keep our fisheries sustainable.”

“While these results are incredibly positive, I believe that our fishery management system can be even better, which is why I have proposed changes to the Fisheries Act. These changes will build on what we are already doing well, and make our fishing industry more efficient and productive, to allow the sector to meet its potential.”

Source: Maritime New Zealand

We know that many Maritime Transport Operator Certificates (MTOC) expire this year and we have worked on our business processes so decision times for MTOC renewals are now much faster.

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 24 June 2025
Last updated 24 June 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing a further $150,000 to support implementation of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement—ensuring New Zealand exporters can compete on a level playing field while helping protect global fish stocks.

“This is about backing rules that stop unfair subsidies and make sure all countries are held to the same standards,” Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.

“It’s in New Zealand’s direct interest to see this Agreement fully implemented—especially in the Pacific, where many of our key partners operate and where our seafood exporters are active.”

New Zealand’s total contribution now stands at $310,000.

The 2022 Agreement—ratified by 102 WTO members—will ban subsidies that support illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fishing of overfished stocks, and unregulated high seas fishing. Just nine more ratifications are needed for it to enter into force.

“Unfair subsidies distort global trade and undercut responsible producers like ours. This Agreement ensures a more level global playing field—while also supporting the sustainability of fish stocks we all rely on,” Mr McClay says.

“New Zealand will continue to push for the Agreement to enter into force and for negotiations on additional rules to conclude quickly.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and Space Minister Judith Collins have today announced that in partnership with the US, the Government is investing $5.6 million to support five new joint NZ-NASA research projects in the field of Earth observation.

Researchers from New Zealand and NASA will work in partnership to tackle challenges such as disaster resilience and environmental management over the next three years.

“These projects will combine some of New Zealand’s best research talent with NASA’s world-leading scientific expertise and technology, driving innovation in space science and environmental monitoring,” Dr Reti says.

“Advancing Earth observation science helps us better understand our natural environment and enables us to manage our natural resources more effectively. For example, we can use satellite data and AI algorithms to accurately measure water movements, which helps manage freshwater and mitigate floods.

“These projects will create a more resilient economy and drive productivity in some of our most valuable export industries, such as forestry and agriculture. They will also grow our science and innovation sector by positioning us in global growth markets such as remote sensing,” Dr Reti says.

“The US is an indispensable space cooperation partner for New Zealand and our engagement with NASA is a key part of our bilateral relationship. These projects will further entrench our ongoing and positive relationship with NASA,” Ms Collins says.

“NASA will contribute Earth observation satellite data, access to advanced tools and technology, as well as approximately $1.9 million in direct staff time and expertise.

The projects are the second stage of the NZ–NASA research partnership through the Catalyst Fund, following an earlier round of feasibility studies. The selected projects span a range of high-impact areas:

• Te Mātai Pū o te Kea – High Altitude Coastal Remote Sensing – advances remote-sensing technology using Kea’s Atmos high-altitude uncrewed aircraft.
• Satellite Multi-Scale Hydrologic Framework for Te Hiku ō Te Ika Wairere Ngahere – develops tools to measure terrestrial water flux via satellite data.
• Monitoring Vegetation–Geothermal Interactions from Space and Airborne Platforms – Integrates multiple Earth observation data streams to measure chemical and physical changes via vegetation.
• Near Real-Time Fuel Moisture System for Wildfire and Drought – builds a predictive fire model using remote sensing.
• Integrating Machine Learning and Remote Sensing for Dynamic Forest Mapping – develops predictive forest mapping using satellite imagery.

Further information about the projects can be found on the MBIE website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/catalyst-strategic-new-zealand-nasa-joint-research-programme-in-earth-observation

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Catch limits and other management changes for nearly 30 fisheries across the country are included in proposals for the next regular fisheries sustainability review, says Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries management Emma Taylor.

The public consultation, which began today, includes proposed changes for 3 blue cod stocks, snapper on the west coast of the South Island, and blue mackerel on the west coast of the North Island.

“The blue cod fish stocks being reviewed are all highly-prized shared fisheries, important to recreational, customary, and commercial fishers alike,” says Emma Taylor. 

“Proposed cuts to commercial catch for 2 blue cod stocks are in response to latest abundance estimates, while the third had a commercial catch limit cut last year. Recreational daily catch limits are proposed to be reduced for all 3 fisheries, in line with the settings in place under the National Blue Cod Strategy.”

Emma Taylor says the latest assessment of blue mackerel on the west coast of the North and South Islands shows that the fish stock is above the target level, so the proposals include an increased catch for the fishery.

“These are just a small portion of the fish stocks included in the proposed changes. I encourage anyone with an interest in our fisheries to read the consultation material and provide feedback.

“The fisheries included in this review represent stocks that are of importance to New Zealand economically, socially, and culturally,” says Emma Taylor.

“We need to ensure that catch limits and other settings for our fisheries strike the right balance between getting value for all New Zealanders while ensuring they remain sustainable for future generations.

“Following consultation, we will prepare advice for Fisheries Minister Shanes Jones to make decisions on any changes, which would come into effect for the fishing year starting 1 October 2025,” says Emma Taylor.

Also included in the proposed changes are deemed value rate changes for 6 fish stocks. The consultation is open now and will run until 23 July 2025.

The full proposals, as well as more information about the consultation and how to make a submission can be found on Fisheries New Zealand’s website.

Proposals for changes to catch limits for orange roughy on the Chatham Rise are also being developed and will be available for consultation in the coming weeks.

Find out more

Review of sustainability measures for fisheries – October 2025 round

Review of sustainability measures for fisheries – October 2024 round

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.