Last month's Budget included extra funding for Maori and Pasifika tertiary learners, a move welcomed by Wanganui's largest tertiary provider.
Kelly Gay, executive dean of trades and technology with UCOL, said improving educational outcomes for Maori and Pasifika learners had been a key focus of policy in New Zealand for some time and UCOL was pleased it would continue to be a government focus.
"It is already a strategic goal of UCOL, in fact, last year we developed a Maori strategy with three main aims: equity in Maori student success; improved completions for Maori students; and Maori students progressing to higher levels of study.
"We are also pleased there is an emphasis on trade training, which has been at the heart of polytechnic delivery and remains a core role for skilling the regional workforce.
"We are supportive of any initiative to address industry need and boost the skills and learning levels of young Maori and Pasifika.