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Hon Chris Hipkins ,i 
12:31.1 A
MP for Rimutaka - 53:? 
Minister of Education Leader of the House is . 
Minister of State Services Minister Responsible for Ministerial Services W??gs?wy-Eebgzgitlg

Grant Davidson

Chief Executive

Skills Active Aotearoa
PO Box 2183
WELLINGTON 6140

12 APR 2019

T?na koe Grant

Thank you for your letter of 4 April 2019, regarding our meeting of 2 April 2019 and the
current Reform of Vocation Education proposals being considered. I am also
responding to your letter of the 29 March 2019 to the Right Honourable, Jacinda Ardern as
the matter you raised falls within my portfolio of responsibilities,

Like you, we valued the opportunity to sit down, engage constructively, and discuss what
these changes might mean for the vocational education sector, and the opportunities this
creates to build a better vocational education system.

As said during the discussion, we acknowledge that there is concern about the pace of the
reform and the consultation process. However, as explained, this is necessary to arrive at a
decision as soon as possible that provides some certainty for everyone involved in the
vocational training sector as to the direction of the reforms.

I note your request that the Proposal 1 process (Industry Skill Bodies) be postponed to allow
a working group to be convened, to design a model on behalf of the industry training
organisations (lTOs), industry, and iwi, and then report back to the Government. I consider
that we are effectively working through this process now and will continue to do so over the
coming months.

Aside from the consultation feedback received (which is currently being considered), we
have engaged directly with lTO's and industry both individually and through various
associations and groups. Now that the initial consultation process has concluded, myself and
the team will continue to reach out to stakeholders, as we work through initial
decisions and the design work that follows. I look forward to your continued engagement and
constructive involvement in the process.

In relation to any intended legal reSponse on your part that decision is yours alone to
consider.

Nga mihi

Chris Hipkins
Minister of Education

Cc: Hon Kelvin Davis, Associate Minister of Education

+64 4 817 8706 Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand c.hipkins?obministersgovtnz beehivegovtnz