New Zealand’s tertiary education ‘deserts’

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-03-19 11:40

Australia; New Zealand

PHOTO: Ptti Edu/Unsplash

Tertiary enrolment data from three regions reveals ‘educational deserts’ in NZ: areas with limited access and low participation, despite policies aiming for equitable access for rural and Māori communities. As NZ moves to dismantle its centralised model for vocational education and training, the research team - led by public sector executives - argue a simple return to a regional model doesn’t guarantee better outcomes. Their case studies highlight the impact of the different strategic approaches among the providers they studied, and say that successful outcomes require clear governance, competent leadership, and regular monitoring.

Expert Reaction

These comments have been collated by the Science Media Centre to provide a variety of expert perspectives on this issue. Feel free to use these quotes in your stories. Views expressed are the personal opinions of the experts named. They do not represent the views of the SMC or any other organisation unless specifically stated.

Professor Sharon Brownie, Director Health Strategy & Partnerships, Swinburne University

The new government in New Zealand is currently re-setting structures related to the of delivery vocational education and training signalling a return to regionally empowered decision-making and delivery. Our work demonstrates that a simple return to a regional model is not enough to address current equity issues and improve educational outcomes across the domestic workforce. Successful outcomes are dependent upon regionally empowered governance and educational leaders strongly committed to national priorities and delivery into regions.

Last updated: 19 Mar 2024 12:10pm

Contact information

Contact details are only visible to registered journalists.

Declared conflicts of interest Professor Brownie is an author of this research.

Attachments

Note: Not all attachments are visible to the general public. Research URLs will go live after the embargo ends.

Research Taylor and Francis Group, Web page

Journal/
conference: Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Swinburne University of Technology, Wintec, Griffith University, Kowhai Health Associates, New Zealand; Te Mana O Ngāti Rangitihi Trust, New Zealand

Funder: n/a

Media Contact/s

Contact details are only visible to registered journalists.