Stakeholder Comments On the Tertiary Education Commission

Dorothy McGray ACE Reference Group Chair 09-837-1471

“Recognition as a stakeholder in the Tertiary Education Commission is providing the Adult and Community Education sector with exciting new challenges and opportunities. The sector values the emphasis the Commission places on life long learning in particular its acknowledgement that learning takes place in both formal and non formal settings”.

“The Adult and Community Education sector is confident of the contribution it can make within the Tertiary Education Commission. The key priority strategies of Mâori Development, Foundation Skills and Pacific Peoples' education are in accord with the recommendations contained in "Koia! Koia!", the Adult and Community Education Report published in 2002. The emphasis away from competition to cooperation and collaboration also mirrors the philosophy of the ACE sector”.

Sandy Morrison ACE Reference Group Member 07-858-5097 or 027-276-0277

“Finally we see with the birth of the Tertiary Education Commission, a commitment to a partnership consistent with the Treaty of Waitangi. Mâori and the Crown have agreed on the pathway forward together and there is now a collective vision as well as a plan of action. With such a framework in place, the ACE sector is ideally placed as a sector to recognise and advance the opportunities for lifelong learning because it can now respond to the learner... this can mean taking learning to the marae, to church halls, amongst parents at a kohanga reo, or in schools...anywhere and everywhere. It is exciting to be part of creating and bringing about fresh visions”.

Darel Hall Executive Director, Industry Training Federation 04-499-8158 or 021-708-510

"The TEC is a once in a generation challenge to make a strategic shift in education and training focused on the aspirations of New Zealand. The conceptual shift to Tertiary Education Organisations allows the 46 Industry Training Organisations access to new funding pools meaning greater and new collaborations with other TEOs as we skill New Zealand workplaces".

Julie Pettett National President, Aotearoa Tertiary Students Association 04-939-1417 or 029-939-1417

“The Aotearoa Tertiary Students' Association (ATSA) believes that the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) must remain focused on the needs of learners. We acknowledge the TEC’s commitment to regularly consult with student groups. One of the principles underlying ATSA's purpose is that tertiary education needs to be open to all citizens and permanent residents of Aotearoa New Zealand. We expect the TEC to monitor the sector's movement towards ensuring there is true "equity of access and opportunity for all learners" (Tertiary Education Strategy [TES] Objective 20, p.45), especially as it relates to traditionally disadvantaged groups.”

“ATSA believes that building effective working relationships between tertiary providers and the compulsory sector is of critical importance. Creating such "linkages between secondary and tertiary education…" (TES Objective 17, p. 40), should be a priority for the commission. A key tool that will help ensure our tertiary education system delivers the objectives outlined in the Tertiary Education Strategy is the 'Profile' each publicly funded provider must create. ATSA expects the TEC to monitor how providers effectively engage with their stakeholders in the development of this key document.”

Ross Wilson President, NZ Council of Trade Unions 04-802-3812 or 025-468-767

“The CTU looks forward to a tertiary education sector:

where workers in tertiary education have excellent employment conditions and are part of a dynamic workplace environment. where workers generally have enhanced opportunities for education and training whether based in institutions, workplaces or communities. where public investment in tertiary education ensures equity of access to lifelong learning, and addresses the barriers faced by Maori, Pacific peoples and low-income families. where the needs and aspirations of working people help shape the way tertiary education is provided within our communities

The CTU will continue to work positively with the Tertiary Education Commission to meet the challenges ahead.”

The following stakeholders are also available for comment:
Simon Carlaw Business New Zealand 04-496-6555 Phil Lough Industry New Zealand 04-910-4300

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