Ara Institute of Canterbury will return to regional governance from 1 January 2026, in a move MPs say will better support Canterbury’s economy and local industries.

In April 2020, Ara became part of Te Pūkenga, a nationalisation initiative that combined 16 polytechnics under a single governance structure.

Ilam MP Hamish Campbell said the change would allow Ara’s programmes to be more responsive to the needs of local employers.

“As Canterbury’s largest provider of campus-based vocational education, Ara offers more than 150 study options to around 19,000 students each year,” Campbell said. “Restoring local governance means its programmes can better reflect the needs of local employers, helping more people into jobs that support our region’s growth.”

He said regional polytechnics like Ara played a vital role beyond education, including supporting businesses, creating opportunities for school leavers, and helping workers upskill and stay connected to their communities.

“By shifting decision-making closer to home, we’re making sure training is shaped by those who understand local labour markets best,” Campbell said. “Ara will work in partnership with employers and industry to deliver the right skills, in the right places, at the right time.”

Banks Peninsula MP Vanessa Weenink said Ara’s network across Christchurch, Timaru, Ashburton, and its regional learning hubs meant the reforms would provide more flexible and financially sustainable training.

“These reforms are part of the Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill, which is currently before the Education and Workforce Select Committee, which I am proud to be on,” Weenink said.

“We expect the Bill to pass in October, following a thorough public consultation process.”

She said the government was focused on rebuilding vocational education to provide people with the skills they need, help local businesses thrive, and support regional success.

Executive Director of Ara Institute of Canterbury Darren Mitchell said Ara welcomed the Government’s decision to re-establish Ara as a stand-alone institution from 1 January 2026.

“This milestone reflects the strength of our financial position, the capability and resilience of our people, and the strategic changes we’ve made to ensure Ara is future-ready,” Mitchell said.

“It also recognises our proud legacy of delivering high-quality vocational education and training to the Canterbury region and beyond.

“Our return to independence is more than a structural change; it’s a powerful endorsement of the value Ara brings to our communities and industries. It means we can be even more responsive to local needs, more agile in our decision-making and more focused on delivering the skills and innovation that power Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy.

“For more than 120 years, Ara has been the cornerstone of vocational education and training in Canterbury. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to producing confident, work-ready graduates who will lead and uplift the industries and communities they serve.

• “This next chapter is made possible by the dedication of our staff. Their unwavering commitment to our learners, our region and our shared future has laid the foundation for Ara to thrive as an independent institution once again, and we’re ready to move forward together.”