Weaving the foundation for a new future

WITT has begun rolling out new branding that sees the WITT and Te Pūkenga logos sit side by side, visually signalling the start of the transition to one national tertiary entity.

Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology – is the new national vocational education provider borne out of the government’s Reform of Vocational Education. The reform sees the country’s 15 institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) and four Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) across Aotearoa become one national entity.

“The cobranding signals an exciting step in the journey that will see WITT, Taranaki’s largest tertiary provider, realise the benefits of being part of a national entity focused on delivering vocational and applied education in Aotearoa,” says WITT Chief Executive John Snook.

As part of the transition to one entity, Te Pūkenga will launch the brand nationally in August however the cobranding will remain in place until early 2023 when WITT officially becomes Te Pūkenga.

From 2023, all WITT learners will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, instead of WITT, but will continue to be based in Taranaki, learning with the same people.

“WITT will continue to serve Taranaki and to provide our key industries and local businesses the skilled workforce that they need with the benefits of national strength and scale,” says Snook.

People will first see the logo changes online from today then rolled out in stages to other channels like print advertising, corporate collateral and signage as they come to the end of their life cycle with all Te Pūkenga branding in place by the start of 2023.

“Not only does a staged rollout make economic sense it also allows our communities, stakeholders and current and potential ākonga to adapt and get use to the change of what has been a long standing and well respected brand in the region for 50 years,” says WITT Marketing Manager Natalie Warren.

WITT, formerly known as Taranaki Polytechnic, opened its doors on 1 February 1972 and became the thirteenth technical institute in New Zealand and this year celebrates 50 years of meeting the region’s demand for graduates and upskilled labour.

“It’s an exciting time for WITT as we celebrate a landmark anniversary and make the transition to one national network of tertiary education providers,” says Snook.

Te Pūkenga logo

Inspired by harakeke, New Zealand’s flax plant, Te Pūkenga’s logo is a visual representation of the base of harakeke, the strongest part, from which all other leaves grow. The logo symbolises strength and growth through separate strands being stronger together.