New Zealand is replacing Te Pūkenga with regional polytechnics and industry boards to improve job training and accountability.

New Zealand has disbanded the centralized vocational education body Te Pūkenga, replacing it with ten regionally governed polytechnics and eight Industry Skills Boards set to launch in January 2026. The reforms, enacted through a new amendment bill, restore local control, strengthen employer involvement, and aim to align training with workforce needs. Most programs, assets, and staff will transition over a two-year period, with some polytechnics operating independently, others joining a new federation, and a few remaining within Te Pūkenga temporarily to achieve financial stability. The government says the changes will improve accountability, boost economic growth, and deliver job-ready skills to students.