How, if at all, is the Tertiary Education Commission receiving advice on regional skills needs to inform its investment guidance to the tertiary sector?

Answer

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) receives advice from key government, industry and regional stakeholders to inform its investment guidance. Where relevant, national level intelligence often includes a regional lens e.g. from Health New Zealand on specific regional skills needs or clinical placement capacity issues. The TEC also expects regional polytechnics to be better placed to understand and respond to their region’s needs and reflect this through their Investment Plans for TEC funding. During 2026 Industry Skills Boards will engage with industry and businesses to understand the network of work-based learning (WBL) they want for their sectors. This will include a regional lens where relevant.