Taranaki Plans Local Model for Vocational Education

Taranaki’s leadership has reaffirmed support for the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki as the region defines its future in vocational education.

Taranaki is located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island and is recognised for its volcanic peak, Taranaki Maunga. Taranaki is known for dairy farming and energy production ni New Zealand.

Stratford Mayor Neil Volzke has stated the institute will remain open, reflecting the community’s commitment to its role in local training and skills development.

The government is reviewing tertiary institutions after Te Pūkenga was disestablished. Taranaki is creating its own plan to meet local needs. WITT aims to support sectors like trades, nursing, engineering, and business so training matches the jobs available in the region.

Plans from Taranaki’s Leadership for Training:

Regional leaders are advocating for a vocational model shaped within Taranaki rather than waiting for central directives. They have asked government representatives to join in designing a model that suits local priorities, with WITT positioned as a central part of the structure.

This initiative aligns with the Tapuae Roa economic action plan, which already highlighted the need for focused regional training pathways. Venture Taranaki chief executive Kelvin Wright has pointed out that this approach has been on the agenda for some time.

A group of local leaders from government, iwi, education, business development, and social services is now working together. They want to create a model that matches local job needs and what learners want. The Tertiary Education Commission and Ministry of Education will also be part of these talks.

A locally developed vocational model could offer several benefits:

⚬Direct connection to Tapuae Roa priorities and strengths

⚬Active industry and community participation

⚬A central role for WITT in tailoring education to regional needs

If executed with strong collaboration and planning, this approach may position Taranaki as an example for other regions considering similar models.