NorthTec's level 2 programmes cover fields from agriculture, construction, and automotive engineering to foundation studies, Te Reo Maori and horticulture.
Mr Ewen said the polytechnic had been "informally advised" that the amount of funding for level 2 programmes will not match the funding bid for 2017.
"Clearly this is a difficult time for staff who may be affected and their whanau, especially as we are heading into the Christmas period. We will be working with them to confirm any staff reductions, and we will also work with the affected staff to assist them through this time," he said.
It comes in the same week The Design School in Whangarei announced it may close this year after TEC indicated it would not continue to fund the level 2 fees free courses.
Because TEC is yet to formally confirm allocations for funding, the impact the 2017 funding would have on jobs and programmes at NorthTec was unclear.
"We have had initial conversations with all applicants to give them an early indication of likely funding levels, and will shortly be sending final confirmation of the results of their application," said TEC chief executive, Tim Fowler.
Ms Dixon said it was a double blow for Northland.
"I think it's very easy for every institution to say we're different but I think in Northland you can see Northland's needs are different. We're really concerned decisions are being made from a desk in Wellington who are unaware of the needs of Northland in terms of the demographic, in terms of the unemployment," she said.
Ms Dixon said it was a "frustrating situation" for staff.
"Until there is confirmation, everyone is on tenterhooks," she said.
Mr Ewen said once TEC formally informed NorthTec which programmes will not be funded the polytechnic will be in a position to make decisions around delivery and staff and the community will be informed.
