Visit from Minister Penny Simmonds reaffirms Wintec’s positive progress toward independence

Wintec welcomed Hon. Penny Simmonds, Minister for Vocational Education, to its Hamilton City Campus this week, acknowledging a significant step in its journey to becoming an independent institution once again.

The visit follows July’s announcement from the Minister, confirming that Wintec will stand alone from 1 January 2026, alongside nine other Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) currently part of Te Pūkenga. For Wintec, this will mark a return to local governance and a renewed focus on serving the specific needs of the Waikato region.

The Minister, along with Hon. Tama Potaka, Minister for Māori Development, Ryan Hamilton MP, Joseph Mooney MP and Hamilton City Mayor Paula Southgate, were formally welcomed to Wintec with a mihi whakatau performed on behalf of mana whenua on Tuesday.

Wintec Executives met with Hon. Penny Symonds, Minister for Vocational Education, recently, along with other local government representatives, including MPs and the Mayor of Hamilton City, and two of the recently announced EAG members.

During her visit, Minister Simmonds met with some members of Wintec’s newly appointed Establishment Advisory Group (EAG), tasked with overseeing the transition to autonomy. The group is chaired by Ken Williamson, with members Sheree Ryan and Sarah Morton-Johnson, each bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the Waikato region.

The EAG will play a critical role in shaping Wintec’s future governance, supporting the appointment of a new Chief Executive, and ensuring the institute is ready to operate independently from day one

Warwick Pitts, Wintec’s Operations Lead, said the Minister’s announcement and positive visit reaffirm Wintec’s early and decisive commitment to independence.

“The Minister expressed her thanks to all Wintec Kaimahi for the work they had done through what she acknowledged has been a difficult three to four years for the sector, and expressed her confidence that Wintec was on the right footing and a solid foundation to be an ongoing viable and vibrant institution for the wider Waikato region.”

Wintec celebrated its 100-year anniversary last year, a testament to its enduring legacy in vocational education. As it prepares for the next chapter, the institute remains grounded in its values of Manawa Nui, Manawa Roa, and Manawa Ora, and committed to putting ākonga at the heart of everything it does.

Minister Simmonds’ visit was a strong signal of confidence in Wintec’s direction and a celebration of the progress already made. With the EAG in place and foundational work underway, Wintec is well-positioned to thrive as an independent institution once again.