18 April 2007

Tertiary Reforms Get Underway

Implementation of the government’s tertiary education reforms has begun in earnest with the release of the document that will guide the future direction and development of New Zealand’s tertiary education sector.

The Tertiary Education Commission’s (TEC’s) Investment Guidance is a principal tool in the implementation of the reforms. It lays out what is expected of universities, polytechnics, wananga, industry training organisations, private training establishments, ACE providers, and other tertiary education providers, particularly over the next three years.

TEC Chief Executive Janice Shiner said the reforms will ensure tertiary education in New Zealand has a longer term focus, is centred on student success, and delivers for a wider range of groups.

“Under the new system, tertiary education organisations have new responsibilities to accurately understand the education and training needs of students, business, industry and different community groups, and respond to those needs appropriately.

“The new system will align the government’s investment with the education and training that will benefit these groups – either directly or indirectly. It signals a clear shift away from student enrolment numbers as the primary funding driver, and in doing so, will ensure that government money is spent more wisely and the public’s confidence in the tertiary education sector is improved.”

In developing policy to support the reforms, the TEC has consulted widely with the tertiary education sector and its many stakeholders.

“All of that consultation has helped us put in place tools and processes that we are confident will help tertiary education organisations deliver on the reforms and improve the quality, relevance and value for money of the education and training on offer in New Zealand,” said Ms Shiner.

“A key feature of the new system is the focus on educational outcomes and how the new system supports that and the sustainability of the tertiary education system as a whole. Collaboration between organisations is the new way of working, with the government taking a whole of sector view in its investment decisions.”

This week the TEC has commenced a series of workshops throughout the country to go over the detail of the Investment Guidance with the sector.

Investment Guidance is available on the TEC website:
http://www.tec.govt.nz/templates/standard.aspx?id=1848

ENDS