Iwi Authority Must Be Central To Regional Vocational Education Reform

Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group (MILG) have met with Minister for Vocational Education, Penny Simmonds, to discuss the transition from Te Pūkenga to new polytechnic arrangements and the establishment of Industry Skills Boards (ISBs), with a focus on ensuring rangatahi Māori are supported into training and employment.

Rahui Papa, Interim Chair of MILG, acknowledged progress in standing up new regional polytechnics and the transfer of expertise from former Workforce Development Councils into ISBs. However, MILG was clear that regional decision-making is meaningful only if Iwi are fully empowered within those structures.

While ISBs are being appointed through industry-led processes that include iwi input, Mr Papa raised concerns that only half currently include Māori members, reinforcing the need for stronger Māori representation and authority across governance, funding and programme design.

“When iwi are resourced and trusted to lead, the entire system benefits,” says Mr Papa. “Māori success must be measurable, supported by stable resourcing, and led in partnership. When we see funding diverted, or when structures are designed without Māori, ākonga Māori are left behind.”

The Minister confirmed $20 million in funding for regions and industries of strategic importance, including forestry, with NorthTec and Toi Ohomai among key recipients. “NorthTec is key regional infrastructure for Northland and our iwi in Te Tai Tokerau,” arms Mr Papa. “Retaining a local polytechnic will enable Rangatahi Māori of this area to access training that reflects their realities, aspirations, and connection to home.”

Both parties agreed that Youth Guarantee and marae-based delivery are critical pathways for engaging rangatahi Māori, with greater alignment between secondary and tertiary education identified as essential to ākonga success.

More information on MILG can be found here - https://www.milg.co.nz/

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