In December 2025, the Government released the new Tertiary Education Strategy 2025–2030, setting the direction for New Zealand’s tertiary education system for the next five years. The Tertiary Education Strategy outlines the Government’s priorities for public funding, planning and delivery across the tertiary sector and will guide how providers contribute to national goals for skills, productivity and inclusive opportunity.

For the Adult and Community Education (ACE) sector, this strategy presents an opportunity to reflect on how community-based learning and foundational skills contribute to learner success, lifelong participation, and local well-being.

What the Tertiary Education Strategy Focuses On

The Government’s overarching objective for tertiary education is: 

• A tertiary education system that enables people to succeed with knowledge and skills that advance an innovative, high-productivity economy, and improve quality of life. 

The Tertiary Education Strategy sets out five strategic priorities that will shape the tertiary education system’s contribution to Aotearoa’s future.

Achievement
Ensure students and trainees gain skills that lead to good careers and economic security, with a focus on strong pathways between school, tertiary education, and work.

Economic impact and innovation
Increase the economic impact of tertiary education by delivering relevant, adaptable skills, and research that drives productivity, innovation, commercialisation and broader economic opportunities. 

Access and participation
Enable access to education and training for people from all backgrounds and regions, ensuring more people build relevant skills throughout their lives that contribute to a productive economy.

Integration and collaboration
Deepen collaboration between education providers, employers, iwi, research institutions, and communities to align education with regional and national economic development. 

International education
Boost numbers of international students, supporting the sector to grow and increasing New Zealand’s international connectivity, as set out in the International Education Going for Growth Plan.

How Tertiary Education Strategy Affects ACE Funding and Planning

The Tertiary Education Commission will align its investment plans with the new strategy. Organisations seeking funding from 2027 will need to show how their programmes contribute to the Tertiary Education Strategy priorities in their Investment Plans. This means demonstrating that community learning contributes to learner success, access, and broader social and economic outcomes.

For ACE providers, this presents both challenge and opportunity. Programmes that build foundation skills, support adult learners into further study or work, and strengthen community participation can be framed in ways that align with the strategy’s priorities.

Implications for ACE in Aotearoa

The Tertiary Education Strategy’s focus on lifelong learning, access and economic participation resonates with the core values of adult and community education. It creates an environment where community-centred education can be recognised as part of the broader tertiary ecosystem.

ACE organisations can use the strategy to strengthen their case for funding by showing how community-based learning:

• supports people at different stages of life to re-engage with learning,
• builds skills that enhance employment opportunities and wellbeing,
• contributes to vibrant, connected communities through partnerships and collaboration.

At the same time, the sector will need to advocate for measures that recognise the unique outcomes of ACE, including social participation, personal development and community resilience, which may not always be captured by traditional labour market metrics.

Looking Ahead

The release of the Tertiary Education Strategy 2025-2030 marks a significant moment for the ACE sector. As providers engage with Tertiary Education Commission investment planning and regional planning processes through 2026 and beyond, there is an opportunity to ensure that the distinctive value of adult and community education is visible and valued within the evolving tertiary landscape.

For more details on the strategy itself, including the full list of priorities and context for the tertiary sector, visit the Ministry of Education’s Tertiary Education Strategy page.