13674 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Vocational Education

13674 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Vocational Education: What advice, if any, has the Minister requested on course cuts in high risks sectors such as forestry and construction, where an unskilled workforce could lead to incidents of injury or death?

Hon Penny Simmonds: Te Pūkenga and its former institute of technology and polytechnic (ITP) business divisions have been undertaking extensive work to reduce costs by exiting unprofitable/low profitability programmes, closing some delivery sites, and reducing staffing numbers. This work is necessary to ensure that when ITPs are established as standalone entities, they are financially sustainable. The ongoing delivery of strategically important provision is being considered as part of this work. Decisions about specific courses are a matter for the Te Pūkenga council. I have not requested any advice about forestry and construction courses specifically. I have been provided with information from TEC on the consultations Te Pūkenga are taking in different regions across New Zealand which will have included forestry and construction.