Ako Aotearoa says Commission report will promote debate

Media release

Thursday, 29 September

Ako Aotearoa says Commission report will promote debate

Ako Aotearoa, New Zealand’s Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence, welcomed today’s release of the Productivity Commission’s draft report into new models of tertiary education, saying it provides the opportunity for a national conversation about the purpose and operation of our education system.

“Some of the Commission’s draft findings are certainly challenging, and this report will create considerable debate in all parts of the sector,” said Dr Stanley Frielick, Director of Ako Aotearoa. “But those debates will involve a valuable discussion about the aims of tertiary education and how our system can be best designed to achieve them.”

Ako Aotearoa particularly welcomed the report’s coverage of frameworks for tertiary teaching standards, which supports its own work on this issue. It looks forward to further dialogue on the Commission’s recommendation about the development of such frameworks.

The Centre also welcomed the Commission’s recognition of the many different pathways learners take into and through education, and on ensuring the system effectively supports mid-career and older learners.

“We are pleased that the draft report recognises the importance both of developing career management skills, and making it easier for learners to move between organisations and have their prior learning recognised,” said Dr Frielick. “As the Commission notes, this is especially important given the increased importance of retraining, upskilling, and lifelong learning.”

Ako Aotearoa will consider the draft report and develop a response in consultation with its Board, Maori Caucus, Pacific Peoples’ Caucus, and key stakeholders. This response will focus on ensuring the Commission’s final recommendations support the best possible outcomes for all learners.

“This is a major opportunity to shape the future of New Zealand’s tertiary education system,” said Dr Frielick. “We encourage all organisations with an interest in education outcomes to read and respond to the Commission’s report.”

Ako Aotearoa and the Industry Training Federation will be hosting an address by Murray Sherwin, Chair of the Productivity Commission, at the upcoming NZ Vocational Education and Training Research Forum on October 18-19. Further information on this event can be found athttps://akoaotearoa.ac.nz/nzvetrf16
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