NorthTec cuts bely a poverty of vision.

Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union is dismayed by a proposal to discontinue eleven programmes across Primary Industries, Forestry, and Built Environment at NorthTec.

Kaiwhakahaere | Organiser Jill Jones says the proposal will negatively impact the Northland economy, its employers, students, and Māori and Pasifika communities.

“Northland’s economy is dominated by primary industries. If these changes proceed, employers in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture will struggle to find local skilled workers, forcing them to either hire from outside the region or rely on untrained labour. The proposal does not outline how NorthTec will continue to meet the needs of these industries beyond traditional full-time programmes.”

“In addition, many students in Northland, particularly Māori and Pasifika, face barriers to accessing education, such as limited transport options and financial constraints. Cutting these programmes will reduce learning opportunities for those in rural areas who may not be able to relocate for study.”

“The decision is largely driven by financial sustainability concerns, but these cuts do not align with Northland’s long-term economic and employment needs.”

Te Pou Ahurei | National Secretary Sandra Grey says “here we have another sad example of the poverty of vision for vocational education by Minister Penny Simmonds and her government. Polytechnic enrolments are up nationally and Te Pūkenga is financially sustainable. Here we have a region with high unemployment and employers who would love more skilled workers in the very industries that NorthTec is disestablishing programmes in.”

“This situation calls for investment not cuts!”