As of 1 January 2023 all of the previously individual 16 polytechnics around Aotearoa were brought together, along with Industry Training Organisations, under the single umbrella of Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology) as part of the outcome of the Review of Vocational Education (RoVE). The changes established by the 2020 Vocational Education and Training Reform amendment act are designed to create a more unified and cohesive vocational education system to meet the changing needs of tomorrow's workforce.

The architecture programme at Unitec, established in 1994, is the only fully accredited professional programme across Australasia that is not located within a university. Across the different campus’ of Te Pūkenga are three undergraduate programmes (Bachelor of Architectural Studies - BAS) in architecture; at Ara, Otago, and Unitec. In December of 2022, Otago received approval from NZQA to deliver the Master of Architecture (professional), based on the qualification delivered at Unitec, with a first small cohort of students commencing in 2023, having already complete the BAS programme. The programme at Otago is being aligned to the academic delivery models at Unitec. 

Academics at Unitec have been working closely with our colleagues at Otago to align content of courses, along with collaborating on assessment events and the quality assurance of courses to closely complement delivery between Unitec and Otago. This will provide a similar experience forākonga (students) at each campus in terms of gaining the necessary knowledge and skills, while also allowing for regional differences as required.

Discussions are ongoing with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) regarding professional accreditation so that students from the Otago campus of Te Pūkenga can graduate with an accredited degree as they enter the profession, should they be deemed to have met the necessary professional outcomes. Currently the three Bachelor of Architectural Studies programmes exist independently of each other, although under RoVE there will be plans to unify aspects of the programmes, while at the same time allowing for necessary regional difference to respond appropriately to the needs of the profession in that area.

We are looking forward to continuing and progressing this work in 2023 and are excited by the opportunity to collaborate with our new, similarly minded colleagues and partners across the motu to broaden architectural education within Te Pūkenga. At Unitec, our offerings will continue in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, and landscape design, including our support of those seeking registration to the architecture profession by alternative pathways.

Amid the change, there is continuity of what is most important, and our programme, academic staff, and academic pedagogies are set to remain in place.

You can read more about Te Pūkenga and FAQs around the change on unitec.ac.nz