Tertiary Education Strategy

Under the Education Act 1989, the Minister of Education is required to issue a tertiary education strategy that sets out the Government's long-term strategic direction for tertiary education; and its current and medium-term priorities for tertiary education.

The long-term direction addresses economic, social and environmental goals, as well as the development aspirations of Māori and other population groups.

The Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) is used to guide our investment decisions in order to maximise tertiary education's contribution to our national goals, and act as a reference point for the Government’s policy-making and relationships with the sector.

The Tertiary Education Strategy 2010-2015 describes the Government’s strategic direction for tertiary education over the next five to 10 years.

The TES outlines Government’s priorities in terms of the shifts it expects to see, and intends to do something about, over the next investment plan cycle starting in 2011. The Government sees the tertiary education system as a key national asset, which enriches New Zealanders’ lives, increases their employment opportunities and helps to build a productive skills base to drive economic growth.