The name of New Zealand's new mega-polytech was revealed on Tuesday afternoon in Hamilton.
Chris Hipkins has been appointed to the health portfolio after David Clark announced his resignation as minister. Photo: RNZ /Dom Thomas
The name, Te Pūkenga, was announced by Minister of Education Chris Hipkins at the new institute's head office on Wintec's City Campus.
The institute brings together New Zealand's 16 institutes of technology and polytechnics together to operate as a single national campus network
Hipkins said the new name and brand was a process of public consultation and extensive engagement with stakeholders such as iwi.
"The name links power of learning and knowledge and the bringing together of everyone," Hipkins said.
Te Pūkenga chief executive Stephen Town said the name reflected the institute's commitment to New Zealand's unique heritage and relationship with tangata whenua.
"The learner receives knowledge and in time becomes an expert in those skills. This embodies the spirit of Te Pūkenga for New Zealand," Town said.
The institute's full name is Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.
Town said the name used both te reo Māori and English, which highlighted the important role the organisation will play for Māori.
"We consulted on a wide range of possible name suggestions and Te Pūkenga was chosen because it was the best fit for who we are - a skills-based institute with a strong commitment to ākonga and Aotearoa."