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Vision, Mission and Values

Students and graduates at UCOL 
UCOL provides life-changing opportunities for thousands of individuals, and our influence stretches far beyond our campus boundaries: across the globe and into the future.

O Tatou Kitenga | Our Vision

To be the Skills Engine driving the economic and social development of the Central North Island.

Whakairohia he toki, tāraia te anamata | Learning with purpose, creating our futures


Tō Mātou Pūtake | Our Purpose

Te Pūkenga UCOL provides excellent and quality education opportunities that support learners, employers and communities to gain the skills, knowledge, and capabilities Aotearoa needs now and for the future. Learners and their whānau are at the centre of all we do.

Kaupapa  Our Mission

Our mission is to transform the contribution vocational education makes to our country’s growth. We will work for a future that radiates high-value skills and wages, increased productivity, and a growing economy. Our journey will stretch boundaries. Employers and entrepreneurs will drive the skills that learners need. We will enable the learning and learner support that will deliver smart workers and sought-after graduates.


Tā mātou whakahaerenga | Our Organisation

UCOL’s roots began in 1892 in Whanganui, joined by Wairarapa in 1896, Palmerston North in 1902 and Horowhenua in 2017. Adapting to the growing needs of a young nation, UCOL’s innovation and agility has a compelling track record.

UCOL in its many forms has been part of the community for more than a century. We are a proud example of a successful Institute of Technology and Polytechnic. We have a rich heritage and much to contribute to the future of vocational learning. UCOL is a valued and essential partner and is known for leading vocational education and training opportunities


Ngā Uara | Our Values

The team at UCOL have developed a set of Values that reflect what's important to us.  Values are our standards of behaviour that you can expect to see at UCOL.

Kia eke panuku, eke Tangaroa | Excellence

Everywhere we look at UCOL we seek innovation and quality that defines us as a high performing institute. We strive for excellence in our programmes, our teaching methods, our resources and systems and processes. We want to see people excelling at what they do, and we are proud of what we achieve.

Whanaungatanga | Relationships

Connecting with people and establishing meaningful relationships built on trust and integrity is vital. Great relationships result in collaboration, partnerships and unity. At UCOL, we embrace diversity and inclusivity for all people.

Te huringa tangata | Transformation

Transformation requires inspiration, and bold, courageous behaviour. We take pride in being a part of the transformation that occurs in our students as they become successful graduates and alumni. UCOL is always looking at fresh ideas.

Kia kakamā | Agility

Agility is about us working in many different ways, being adaptable and agile in the way we work with others. Through engagement, empowerment and innovation we develop deeper understanding and discover new ways of achieving our goals.


Tatou Whāinga | Our Goals

Our commitment to Te Mana Tiriti

Our commitment to Te Mana Tiriti is an essential component of all UCOL planning and decision-making now and in the future.

Partnerships That Make a Difference

We aim to be recognised as an essential partner to businesses as they grow and upgrade their workforce skills to achieve diversity, productivity, and innovation. We are working with the industry on shared intelligence, decision-making, and delivery. We aim to be recognised as an active and influential partner with Te Pūkenga.

An Institution for the 21st Century

Our development is future-focused, right-sized, financially and environmentally sustainable. We are delivering blended learning that enables significant workplace-based, remote, and campus learning to be successful across all UCOL programmes.

All Our People Are Equipped for the New World

Our Capabilities Framework is in place and engages staff in all roles. We are improving the uptake of meaningful engagement with the student body and the opportunities for it.

Global Outreach and Globalisation

We are engaging with stakeholders to ensure we are top of mind for opportunities for internationalisation. We aim to ensure that we continue to be recognised as an institution of choice for international students.

Strategic Objectives

Kia Eke Panuku, Eke Tangaroa  Reaching New Heights - The UCOL  Strategy

Our strategic story builds upon solid foundations of delivering excellence in education. We are in a state of transition following central government reform, and the roadmap will help us lift our performance, taking a continuous improvement philosophy to the heart of our student learning and teaching.


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