HAU TAKI HAERE Tertiary Update No 19, 2026.

United on Strike, Wednesday next week!

In exactly a week from today, staff from both polytechs and universities are taking strike action together. This is the first time polytechs and universities have gone out on strike at the same time!

For far too long our sector has gone undervalued, underfunded, and your work has gone unseen. TEU members have had enough and are standing together to protect tertiary education in Aotearoa.

We are seeking pay rises that help us address the rising cost of living, secure jobs and quality learning environments for our students.

Members will receive more information about the strike in the coming days.

Election Forum

Last Thursday, TEU hosted its 2026 General Election Forum at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, bringing together political representatives to discuss the issues facing tertiary education.

The mood was engaged and thoughtful, with attendees keen to hear how political parties would address the challenges facing the tertiary sector, including funding, workforce pressures, and academic freedom.

All parties currently represented in Parliament were invited to participate, along with The Opportunities Party, which has consistently polled above the five percent threshold. The panel featured Andy Foster (New Zealand First), Francisco Hernandez (Green Party), Shanan Halbert (Labour), and Ben Wylie-Van Eerd (Opportunity).

National and Te Pāti Māori sent their apologies, while ACT did not respond to the invitation or subsequent reminders.

The discussion covered a wide range of issues. The audience the chance to put questions forward, regardless of whether people were attending in person or online, via online tool Slido.

On Tuesday 27 October you'll receive our General Election special edition of Tertiary Update with political commentary and more.

Events

Join TEU members Dr. Sean Phelan and Professor Mohan Dutta at a talk and release of a critique of the Tertiary Education Strategy on Thursday 15 October via Zoom. More information here.

Read about the discussion sessions and register for Collective Action for a Changing Climate online symposium on Friday 30 October here.

Job vacancies at TEU!

See the current roles being advertised here