Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

fully developed, consulted and negotiated investment plans for each tertiary
education organisation and within each sub-sector of the tertiary sector.
We will build on the approach first implemented by the fifth Labour Government and also
look to international examples such as the University of California system to ensure there is
real collaboration.
Labour will support the development of regional tertiary education strategies that will
include a particular focus on ensuring that regional labour market needs, research
and development and social and community needs are being met by tertiary
institutions.
This will include a collaborative approach to ensuring secondary school students are
informed and supported in their decisions as to their options for further study after school.
Labour will review the cap on enrolments in tertiary institutions, with a view to
providing flexibility in its implementation, particularly in times of high unemployment.
Labour will develop benchmarking and performance indicators for the sector, as a
management tool, not as an accountability mechanism. Making these indicators part
of an accountability mechanism encourages institutions to “game” statistics. Rather,
robust data should be part of the process for investing and planning for each
institution and the system as a whole.
Labour will re-establish the Tripartite Forum with institutions, staff and government
representatives to address issues of effectiveness and sustainability in universities
and ITPs.
Governance structures
Labour believes that the governance structures for tertiary institutions need to reflect their
key role in developing the economy, society and community. They also need to reflect the
importance of collaboration and cooperation to achieving the best outcomes from tertiary
education.
Labour will implement legislation for Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics that
will allow for tertiary councils of up to 12 people, to enable the institution to ensure
there is representation from students, staff, Māori and other communities of interest
where appropriate.
Tuition fees
Labour believes that tuition fees must be kept affordable and reasonable so students of all
backgrounds can study to their full ability without facing cost barriers or excessive debt.
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