7. Question No. 7—EducationJAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 7—Education7. JAN TINETTI (Labour) to the Minister of Education: What recent feedback has he seen on the proposals for the reform of vocational education?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): Yesterday a statement was made by eight of the country's 16 institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) who collectively represent more than half of the students enrolled in the polytech sector backing the reforms. They see this as a generational opportunity to design a sustainable and effective vocational education sector with a move away from counter-productive competition. I welcome their feedback and I welcome their constructive approach.Jan Tinetti: What problems have the ITP Group and other stakeholders identified in the current vocational education system?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: In their statement yesterday the ITP Group said that the current funding process was inflexible and it had led to institutions trading quality against cost. UCOL have said that in their meetings on the reforms industry representatives have shared their concerns around an ongoing shortage of workers with the right skills and training. The chairman of the Central Otago Labour Market Governance Group said the horticultural industry was in a rapid growth phase and needed nearly 30000 trained people over the next 10 years and for him the proposed vocational education reform is the first opportunity in decades to address the imbalance and move to create a vocational education and training system that is fit for the growth and expansion needs of New Zealanders into the future.Jan Tinetti: What opportunities have the ITP Group identified in the proposed reforms?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The chief executive of The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand strongly supports an integrated system that puts learners at the heart of its thinking enabling frictionless mobility between locations modes and types of learning. The chief executive of the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki recognises this is an opportunity for the real value of online distance learning offered by The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand and other providers to be realised in concert with local ITPs. The chief executive of Unitec said Māori joint-ownership of the new model was also critical because it would assist in closing the gap between the success rates of Māori and non-Māori students. There have been a number of interesting observations made by those currently in the sector. Nobody in the sector is arguing there should be no change.Dr Shane Reti: Why is the Minister driving a wedge between high- and low-performing polytechnics by not showcasing the views of polytechnics like the Southern Institute of Technology and instead showcasing the views of eight polytechnics in whom six reported deficits and five currently have commissioners—SPEAKER: Order! Order! The member can start the question again without the assertion.Dr Shane Reti: Why is the Minister highlighting eight polytechnics today—of whom six are reporting deficits and five currently have commissioners?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Over the last week or two I've been highlighting feedback—both good and bad—that's been made by a number of different players within the sector at the moment. I think it's important that the comments that I highlight are those that are well informed rather than those that are based on misinformation.