NorthTec welcomes funding approval for new central Whangārei campus.

Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education, said she was pleased to be making the investment as it would strengthen vocational education and support Northland's future workforce. “This $34.7 million investment is an important step towards ensuring Northland learners have access to modern vocational education and training facilities.”

The approval marks a major step towards a campus at Forum North that will connect vocational education more closely with the people, employers, and services of Northland. The theatre and exhibition hall will remain available for public use, alongside NorthTec’s new learning facilities. Together, these complementary spaces will create a connected complex that brings education, arts, events and community activity into the heart of Whangārei.

NorthTec Operational Lead Derek Slatter says the investment will support a learning environment that reflects the region’s needs and aspirations. “This is an exciting step for NorthTec and for Northland. It gives us the opportunity to create a central city campus where ākonga can develop practical skills, connect with employers and feel part of a welcoming learning community.”

Learning in the heart of Whangārei

The central city location will bring NorthTec closer to public transport, civic spaces, businesses and community services, making vocational education more visible and connected to everyday life in Whangārei. “Bringing NorthTec into central Whangārei will strengthen connections between education, local employers and the wider community, helping ensure learners can develop the skills needed in their region.”  Hon Penny Simmonds

The Hub will provide opportunities for collaboration with employers and community partners, while supporting a campus environment where ākonga and kaimahi can study, work and gather.

“Locating NorthTec in the heart of Whangārei will strengthen our connections with the city and the wider region. We want this to be a place where people can see a future for themselves through education and training.”

Modern facilities for nursing education

Nursing education is a key part of the planned campus, with dedicated teaching spaces and simulation facilities designed to help ākonga practice clinical skills in realistic settings. “The planned nursing simulation facilities are particularly important, providing students with opportunities to develop practical clinical skills and confidence as they prepare to enter the health workforce.” Hon Penny Simmonds

Simulation will allow nursing students to work through patient care scenarios, build confidence and strengthen clinical decision making in a supported learning environment, alongside their clinical placements.

“Our nursing graduates make an important contribution to healthcare across Northland. These facilities will support their preparation for practice and help us respond to the needs of ākonga and the health workforce,” Mr. Slatter says.

Te Puna o Te Mātauranga at the heart of the campus

The proposal includes the relocation of Te Puna o Te Mātauranga marae from Raumanga to the new campus, maintaining an important place for tikanga, learning, connection and belonging within NorthTec.

Planning for the marae relocation will require close engagement with hapū and iwi and Te Tai Tokerau marae community, recognising the significance of the marae and the relationships it holds.

“Te Puna o Te Mātauranga is an important part of NorthTec. The relocation must be approached with care and respect, with those connected to the marae helping to guide the process,” Mr. Slatter says.

Future of the Raumanga land

The proposed move from Raumanga also means planning for the future of the land at the existing campus. Any disposal would be subject to applicable statutory requirements, including relevant Public Works Act requirements, and other obligations. The future of the land will be addressed through a separate process.

Next steps

Approval provides the foundation for NorthTec to progress the next stage of the Whangarei Central Hub project in 2027, following its re-establishment as a standalone polytechnic on1 January and consultation through Council’s Long Term Plan process. This will restore NorthTec’s independent governance and regional leadership, supporting a continued focus on the education and workforce needs of Northland.

As a standalone institution, NorthTec will work with kaimahi , ākonga, hapū and iwi, employers and community partners to help shape the detailed campus design. This engagement will inform the learning spaces, specialist facilities and campus environment as the project progresses towards its planned opening in Semester 2, 2029.

“NorthTec becoming a standalone polytechnic in January 2027 will restore its independent governance and strengthen its ability to respond to the education and workforce needs of Northland.” Hon Penny Simmonds

Teaching and learning will continue at NorthTec’s existing campuses while the project develops. NorthTec will share opportunities to contribute to the design in 2027 and provide updates as planning progresses.

Whangārei District Council will also seek community feedback through its Long Term Plan process in2027 on the proposed use of Council-owned buildings and land for the new campus.

Mr. Slatter thanked NorthTec kaimahi and ākonga, hapū and iwi, community and business partners, central government and Whangārei District Council for their contribution to reaching this milestone.

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Enquiries communications@northtec.ac.nz