NMIT to stand alone

NMIT Executive Director Olivia Hall

Executive director Olivia Hall says the decision will build on NMIT’s legacy and deliver regionally relevant education. The Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology will be independent once again from the New Year. On Monday, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds announced that NMIT would be one of 10 polytechnics that would be re-established as Te Pūkenga is dismantled.

“This is a major milestone in building a vocational education system that’s locally led, regionally

responsive, and future focused,” she says.

New legislation expected to be passed in October would see the polytechnics operating independently as of 1 January 2026. NMIT’s executive director Olivia Hall says the decision was a “strong vote of confidence” in the institution’s abilities.

“This decision allows us to build on our 120-year legacy while continuing to deliver real-world, internationally, and regionally relevant education.”

Olivia says NMIT has worked hard to strengthen its financial sustainability over the last 18 months, shifting from a $2 million deficit to a surplus of over $1m by the end of the year. Over that time, enrolment has increased by 12 per cent, including a 36 per cent increase in international learners.

“We’re committed to continuity and care for our learners and kaimahi during this next phase of change.”

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said the decision was the “best news” for Te Tauihu.

“The Top of the South economy lags in the productivity statistics and further education is a key driver to improving output and incomes for people. Growing Nelson as an attractive place to study for students from outside the region and overseas is also an important economic opportunity,” he says.

“There is now a big job ahead to rebuild NMIT. We look forward to the passage of the legislation and the appointment of a new polytechnic council. Key steps will be re-establishing links with local industry and redeveloping NMIT’s international brand and market.”

The region’s three mayors, eight iwi, two economic development agencies and chambers of commerce had jointly advocated to the Government for NMIT to return to a standalone entity. The previous Labour Government had combined the country’s 16 polytechnics into one national organisation – Te Pūkenga – to address financial issues across the sector. However, the National-led Coalition Government campaigned against the merger, calling it “unwieldy” and arguing that it took away the regions’ ability to respond to local needs.