40684 (2025). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Vocational Education

40684 (2025). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Vocational Education: What, if any, is the annual shortfall for each polytechnic to be deemed financially viable as independent entities, in each financial year forecasted, before any cost saving initiatives?

Hon Penny Simmonds: All polytechnics currently exist as business divisions within Te Pūkenga. Where forecasts have been developed for polytechnics as independent entities, these have been based on the achievement of cost saving initiatives and other financial improvements. Therefore, the requested information does not exist. Te Pūkenga remains subject to public accountability requirements including a requirement to present to the House an annual report which includes audited financial statements.