TEAC Takes the Hard Decisions

To Education Reporter

31 July 2001

TEAC Takes the Hard Decisions

“TEAC has obviously done some hard thinking about the tertiary education sector and should be applauded,” said John Reynolds, spokesperson for PTEs receiving EFTS student subsidies.

“The Government has not paid real attention to the bottom end of tertiary education since 1993, but TEAC has shown the way in focusing strongly on improving access to, and bridging within, tertiary education. PTEs provide over 85% of this type of education and we know that it needs attention from the Government.”

TEAC also recommended today that whether a provider is publicly or private owned should not be a factor in deciding about funding.

“TEAC has made an important and principled decision by proposing a system based on evidence, not one based upon prejudice about private tertiary education. There have been many outlandish claims about the PTE sector, but we are always happy to front up with the evidence about our performance. Now we will have that opportunity.”

“PTEs welcome the strong focus on quality learning and accountability for results. Our sector has always pushed for strong accountability measures, as we don’t believe people should be in this business if they are not meeting their stakeholders’ needs.”

Contact John Reynolds on 09 309 5970 (work), 09 445 8648 (home)
John Reynolds is the chairperson of a coalition of 3 PTE associations. The coalition represents well over half of all PTEs receiving EFTS student subsidies.

- NZAPEP is the largest national association of private training establishments registered with NZQA. Its 168 members enrol about half of the PTE students in New Zealand.
- The Pacific Islands Tertiary Providers of New Zealand represent 26 Pacific Islands PTEs.
- The Independent Degree-granting Institutes represent 6 PTEs.

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