Extra NorthTec funding won’t stop the cuts.
Oct. 14, 2025
Hau Taki Haere | Tertiary Update Vol 29, No 19
Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education continues to hold grave fears for the future of Tai Tokerau Wānanga | NorthTec. Despite the government’s $5.5 million cash injection over two years, Kaiwhakahaere | Organiser Jill Jones says course and staff cuts are set to continue.
“The extra funding is only a short-term band aid and too little too late. Since it was announced, we have been made aware that NorthTec now intends to proceed with yet another downsizing proposal affecting academic staff.”
“NorthTec has, since November last year, initiated several organisational change proposals. Some of these were withdrawn or paused after TEU pointed out multiple procedural flaws. This pattern continued in 2025. It illustrates the fact that the underlying structural issues remain unresolved.”
“The effect of the cycle of withdrawing and relaunching change proposals has been cumulative and damaging to staff. It has caused chronic stress and anxiety. And continued stripping back of the courses and services NorthTec offers students will only cause more irreparable damage to the institution and the community.”
“Everyone who cares about the future of NorthTec should write to the Minister and tell her you want her to step in, stop the cuts and take meaningful permanent action to ensure strong, quality public vocational education for Northland and all of regional Aotearoa.”
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