8417 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Vocational Education

Written Question

Published date: 25 Mar 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	8417 (2026)
Question asked:	11 Mar 2026
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister for Vocational Education
Minister replying:	Hon Penny Simmonds
Answer received:	19 Mar 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_08417_2026
Document guid:	8943e941-ce2b-4f54-a916-f033b70e3ef6

8417 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Vocational Education: Has Universal College of Learning (UCOL) reduced the number of first-year nursing training places offered at its Wairarapa campus for 2026, if so, how many students who had met entry requirements were subsequently told there was no place available for them?

Hon Penny Simmonds: Universal College of Learning (UCOL) has confirmed that there has been no reduction in the number of first-year Nursing degree training places at its Wairarapa campus for 2026 compared to 2025. The number of places remains at 34. UCOL’s decision to cap enrolments at this level is due to needing to match the number of placements (e.g. in a hospital) available for students to undertake as part of their programme.