The Tertiary Education Reform Legislation Fact Sheet

Tertiary Education Commission Te Amorangi Mätauranga Matua

The Education (Tertiary Reform) Amendment Act 2002 and the Industry Training Amendment Act 2002 provide the architecture for the Government’s reforms of the tertiary education system to ensure the strategic use of resources through the establishment of:

the tertiary education commission the tertiary education strategy and statement of tertiary education priorities a system of charters and profiles and an enabling funding framework linked to the tertiary education strategy and statement of tertiary education priorities.

The tertiary education system covered by the legislation includes tertiary education institutions (universities, polytechnics, wânanga, colleges of education), Private Training Establishments, Industry Training Organisations, Training Opportunities and Youth Training, and Adult and Community Education.

The role of the other education agencies is clarified. The Ministry of Education will continue to provide leadership and policy advice to Government on tertiary education and advice on Crown Mâori relationships and monitoring Crown risk. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority will continue to be responsible for the quality assurance of qualifications and education providers outside universities. Career Services will continue to provide career advice, planning, information and guidance.

The Industry Training Amendment Act gives effect to Government decisions arising from the Industry Training Review, enabling changes to be made to improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of the industry training system. The Act adds new criteria requiring that ITOs provide greater leadership in skill and training matters for their industries. It also enables ITOs to impose a levy on firms within its industry, subject to the voluntary balloted agreement of a majority of employers in an industry.

The legislation can be accessed through the TEC website (www.tec.govt.nz) or at www.knowledge-basket.co.nz.

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