Taranaki Ready To Reimagine Tertiary Education As Region Prepares For Future

Taranaki leaders are stepping forward with a clear message: WITT will continue to play a central role in the future of education for Taranaki.

"Let us be clear, WITT is not closing. It remains the largest tertiary education provider in Taranaki and a cornerstone of our region’s future. The region stands behind WITT and our collective energy is now focused on supporting its next chapter," says Chair of the Taranaki Mayoral Forum, Stratford Mayor Neil Volzke.

As the Government reviews the viability of institutes following the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga, regional leaders have come together to build the foundations for a better, fit for purpose tertiary model for the region.

"We acknowledge that the Government embarked on this process to set up a more viable and future-fit vocational education system for Aotearoa. Now that we understand our place in that process, we are not waiting for government to bring a solution. We’re creating the table for those solutions to be discussed and inviting government to join us there," Volzke adds.

WITT continues to deliver for the region’s people, from school leavers to adult learners, in critical disciplines such as trades, nursing, engineering, and business. Despite immense disruption over recent years, including COVID-19’s impact on international education and significant national reforms, WITT has remained a highly valued foundation for regional learning and development.

"We know it must be financially viable, and we believe that it can be. However this is not just about a balance sheet, it’s about our workforce, our economy and our young people" says Volzke.

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As the region continues to evolve through energy transition, a growing food and fibre industry, and shifts in the digital, and health sectors, leaders see this as an opportunity to shape what education needs to look like to support new skills for a future-focused Taranaki.

"WITT, like many tertiary providers across the country, is having to make tough decisions to change courses that are currently not financially or operationally viable. While this is understandably unsettling, it also presents an opportunity to reset and refocus," says Volzke.

Sheree Long, Director of Workforce Development, Energy Resources Aotearoa, believes that vocational education is not optional, it's essential.

"In regions like Taranaki, where our energy systems are adapting and evolving, and building future-focused capability, we need providers like WITT delivering skills that match real workforce demand."

"As the education landscape shifts, this is an opportunity to ensure vocational training is aligned with where the jobs are going. Industry is ready to step in and partner to enable that future," Long adds.

A voluntary education leadership group - formed after the dissolution of the government’s Regional Skills Leadership Groups is actively leading this work.

This group, led by local government and iwi, with representatives from the region’s economic development agency, business sector leaders, education providers and social services, is not starting from scratch. It is building on years of strategic vision, readiness, and coordination in the region.

Kelvin Wright, Chief Executive, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki says, "Tertiary education reform was identified as a key regional priority in the recently refreshed Tapuae Roa Action Plan, the region’s economic development strategy, reflecting foresight that the system was shifting, and a localised response is needed."

"That vision is now being put into action, as regional leaders coordinate efforts to position WITT for long-term sustainability and impact," Wright adds.

The group will also actively engage with The Tertiary Education Commission, the Ministry of Education, and the Minister for Vocational Education to proactively present a plan and build together a strong education model that is regionally grounded, responsive, and delivers for learners and industry.

The group is also calling on regional industry leaders, employers, funders, and civic partners to step in now to actively support WITT’s transition, explore secondment opportunities, champion international education, and back the long-term vision.

"This is not something WITT can or should do alone," says Stacey Hitchcock, GM Investment, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki.

"We’re calling on regional employers, funders, and industry leaders to step forward and help shape the next phase. WITT is our largest tertiary education provider, if we want it to reflect our future workforce and regional needs, we must help co-create that. The leadership group will be actively engaging with these stakeholders in the coming weeks, and we encourage them to be ready to contribute, collaborate, and lead alongside us," Hitchcock adds.

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