New zealand polytechnic

A blast from the past! In New Zealand, a polytechnic was a type of tertiary education institution that was established in the mid-20th century. The term "polytechnic" was used to describe a range of institutions that provided vocational and technical education, as well as some degree-level programs.

In the 1980s and 1990s, New Zealand's polytechnics were known for their strong focus on practical skills and hands-on training, which was designed to prepare students for the workforce. They offered a wide range of programs, including apprenticeships, diplomas, and certificates, in areas such as:

  1. Trades and technology (e.g., carpentry, electrical engineering, automotive repair)
  2. Health and wellbeing (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy)
  3. Business and management (e.g., accounting, marketing, human resources)
  4. Creative industries (e.g., graphic design, photography, music)
  5. Hospitality and tourism (e.g., hotel management, culinary arts)

In 2013, the New Zealand government rebranded the polytechnics as "Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics" (ITPs), with the aim of creating a more unified and streamlined tertiary education system. This change was part of a broader effort to improve the quality and relevance of vocational education and training in New Zealand.

Today, many of the former polytechnics have evolved into universities, institutes of technology, or private training establishments. Some examples of institutions that were previously polytechnics include:

  1. Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
  2. Unitec Institute of Technology
  3. Otago Polytechnic (now Otago Polytechnic Limited)
  4. Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)
  5. Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) (now Ara Institute of Canterbury)

While the term "polytechnic" is no longer used in New Zealand, the legacy of these institutions continues to shape the country's tertiary education system and workforce development initiatives.