31 July 2001
Strategies for tertiary education must remain strategic, says Business New Zealand.
Commenting on the latest report of the Tertiary Education Advisory Commission, Business New Zealand Chief Executive
Simon Carlaw says the Government must not get into hands-on management of the tertiary education sector.
"The Government, in partnership with business and the wider community, should identify areas of priority, and focus on
these issues. The majority of the system should continue to operate in a distributed manner responsive to local needs,
within a broad strategic direction.
"Steering should be done through the use of incentives, information and special projects, not micro-management. The
proposed 'desirability test' would practically guarantee micro-management.
"For any tertiary education strategy to be successful, it will need to be developed in partnership with business and the
community, and will need to focus on critical issues, rather than attempt to address every possible issue. The
Government and the TEC must be focused and disciplined - just as we need greater specialisation and focus within the
tertiary system."
Ends