Kia ora koutou katoa,
Today, Minister for Vocational Education Hon. Penny Simmonds announced MIT and Unitec will transition to a single legal entity, as of January 1, 2026.
Independence will allow us to work closely with our communities, industries and service sectors; listening to their needs and respond by designing the best training solutions.
This has been achieved through a lot of hard work on the part of kaimahi at both our divisions which has enabled us to provide a credible pathway to financial viability.
We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the powerful legacies for skills training both organisations have built over more than 50 years, as well as the commitment kaimahi at our providers have shown through an extended period of change.
Defining a final shape for future delivery in Tāmaki Makaurau, as well as how the unique identities and cultures of these proud organisations can be brought together will take time to fully realise.
Through this process much needed stability will be brought to our provision, as well as making us more:
- Responsive to meeting skills needs of our learners and employers in Tāmaki
- Resilient by increasing financial sustainability through reducing duplication & unnecessary competition
- Connected in providing greater accessibility for those wishing to partner and use our services.
It is important that we understand the Minister’s announcement signals our divisions will reposition further to truly realise the potential of what vocational training can do for the region.
Thank you for your continued support of our shared kaupapa and core purpose of delivering the highest quality learning and teaching experiences. Through your efforts we are connecting ākonga to careers, industry and bright futures.
You will be receiving invitations in your Outlook Calendar for online hui where we will be explaining what has been announced, our pathway to transition and providing an opportunity for Q & A afterwards.
A recording will be made available on our intranets for later viewing. The details of face-to-face, on campus meetings will be advised shortly.
We look forward to you joining us.
Ngā mihi nui,
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
MIT & Unitec Executive Director
The Q&A session held today 21 July in person at Unitec was very helpful. I really appreciate the SLT fronting the questions with frankness and empathy.