“This is the beginning of a new era, as we exit the centralised polytechnic model " Invercargill MP and Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds told graduating students at today's (12 Dec) Southern Institute of Technology ceremony.

New Zealand polytechnics were centralised into a single entity - Te Pūkenga/New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology - under a Labour-led government in April 2020, however following the National-led government's 2023 victory polytechnics will reassume their autonomy from January 2026.

Simmonds, also former CEO of SIT, said she was celebrating the organisation's future as an independent institute, which would empower the local community, learners, employers and industries to once again take ownership of it.

“I strongly believe in access to local education – and to allowing people to gain relevant skills and knowledge in their community – and for their community."

“I’ve fought hard for these opportunities because I know what SIT means to students – and to the whole of the Southland community - and I couldn’t feel prouder, than to stand here today and celebrate the graduates' success – along with the positive future that lies ahead for the Southern Institute of Technology."

“I also want to acknowledge the local staff, who've played such an important role in maintaining SIT's strength and capability during the challenging times of the centralised model."

Simmonds congratulated graduates saying they had gained more than just a qualification but also what it truly means to move forward in life.

“The contribution this year's graduates will make – to our community, to our city, and to the wider world – is very important."

“We look forward with excitement to what lies ahead – both for the graduates – and for the newly independent Southern Institute of Technology.”