Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), known in Māori as Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua, is a New Zealand Crown agency established in 2003. It serves as the government's primary entity for investing in tertiary education, training, and career services. TEC's mission is to enhance the performance of the tertiary education and careers system, ensuring positive outcomes for learners and employers, thereby contributing to a thriving economy and society.

Mission and Vision

TEC's mission is to raise the achievement of the tertiary education system to generate positive outcomes for both learners and employers, fostering a thriving economy and society. Its vision is to shape a dynamic system that delivers lifelong learning and equips learners, communities, and employers for success.

Primary Area of Focus

TEC oversees all forms of post-secondary education and training in New Zealand, including literacy and numeracy education, academic study, New Zealand apprenticeships, work-related training, and doctoral research.

Industry Significance

As the government's key agency for investing in tertiary education and careers services, TEC plays a crucial role in shaping New Zealand's education landscape. It funds over 700 tertiary education organisations, supporting a wide range of educational pathways and ensuring that New Zealanders are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for lifelong success.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Investment in Tertiary Education: TEC invests over $3 billion annually into tertiary education and supporting the tertiary and careers systems.

Policy Implementation: TEC implements the government's tertiary education policies, as outlined in the Tertiary Education Strategy, and acts in accordance with its responsibilities under the Education Act 1989.

Performance Monitoring: TEC monitors the performance of tertiary education organisations to ensure accountability, self-improvement, and self-management.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Vocational Education and Training (VET): TEC focuses on the redesign of the vocational education and training system, including the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga and the Workforce Development Councils, and the establishment of regional institutes of technology and polytechnics.

Career Services: TEC provides career services from education to employment, including the development of tools like the Tahatū Career Navigator to assist individuals in making informed career decisions.

Key Technologies Utilized

TEC employs various technologies to support its initiatives, including digital platforms for career planning and data management systems for monitoring educational outcomes. Specific details on proprietary technologies are not publicly disclosed.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

TEC's initiatives target a broad spectrum of learners, including:

Secondary School Students: Through career planning tools and resources.

Tertiary Education Students: By funding and monitoring tertiary education organisations.

Employers: By aligning educational outcomes with workforce needs.

Māori and Pasifika Communities: Through dedicated programmes aimed at improving educational outcomes.

Financials and Funding

Total Funds Raised

TEC manages an annual investment of over $3 billion into tertiary education and supporting the tertiary and careers systems.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details about recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

As a Crown agency, TEC's funding is provided by the New Zealand government.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital is utilized to:

Fund Tertiary Education Organisations: Including universities, polytechnics, wānanga, and private training establishments.

Support Career Services: Providing resources and tools for career planning and development.

Monitor and Enhance Performance: Ensuring accountability and continuous improvement within the tertiary education sector.

Pipeline Development

As a government agency, TEC does not have a product pipeline in the traditional sense. However, it is involved in the development and implementation of various educational programmes and initiatives, such as the redesign of the vocational education and training system and the development of the Tahatū Career Navigator.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

TEC has developed the Tahatū Career Navigator, a digital platform designed to assist individuals in making informed career decisions.

Significant Scientific Methods

TEC employs data analysis and monitoring methodologies to assess the performance of tertiary education organisations and the effectiveness of its programmes. Specific details on scientific methods are not publicly disclosed.

AI-Driven Capabilities

Specific details about AI-driven capabilities are not publicly disclosed.

Leadership Team

Names and Current Positions

Tim Fowler: Chief Executive

Jenn Bestwick: Chairperson

Brief Professional Backgrounds

Tim Fowler: Appointed as Chief Executive in April 2013, Tim has led TEC through various strategic initiatives, including the redesign of the vocational education and training system.

Jenn Bestwick: Served as Chairperson from March 2020 until stepping down in March 2024.

Key Contributions or Roles Within the Company

Tim Fowler: Oversees the implementation of TEC's strategic initiatives and ensures alignment with government policies.

Jenn Bestwick: Provided leadership and governance during her tenure as Chairperson.

Leadership Changes

In March 2024, Jenn Bestwick stepped down as Chairperson. In May 2025, Alan Bollard CNZM and Robin Hapi were appointed as Chair and Deputy Chair of TEC's board, respectively.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

TEC operates within the New Zealand tertiary education sector, which is experiencing growth in international student enrolments. The government aims to double the value of its international education market by 2034, increasing its contribution to the economy from NZ$3.6 billion to NZ$7.2 billion.

Competitor Analysis

As a government agency, TEC does not have direct competitors. However, it collaborates with various tertiary education organisations, including universities, polytechnics, wānanga, and private training establishments, to achieve its objectives.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

TEC collaborates with over 700 tertiary education organisations across New Zealand to provide a diverse range of educational opportunities. It also works closely with the Ministry of Education to develop and implement tertiary education strategies.

Operational Insights

TEC's strategic considerations include aligning educational outcomes with workforce needs, enhancing the quality of tertiary education, and improving career services to support learners' transitions into employment. Its distinct competitive advantage lies in its role as the government's primary agency for tertiary education and career services, enabling it to implement nationwide initiatives and policies effectively.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

TEC's strategic roadmap includes:

Redesigning the Vocational Education and Training System: Implementing changes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the VET system.

Enhancing Career Services: Expanding the reach and impact of tools like the Tahatū Career Navigator to assist more individuals in making informed career decisions.