Before deciding on the models that should guide the sector it is important to agree on the purpose of tertiary education. TEU asserts the following are the primary objectives that should determine the broad direction of all post-compulsory education in New Zealand. We believe that tertiary education should:
enhance cultural and intellectual life; develop a skilled and knowledgeable population; promote sustainable economic and social development (As per the Education Act 1989);
be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms (UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights, Article 26), and ensure social mobility and the reduction of inequality;
ensure the advancement of a strong Te Tiriti o Waitangi relationship; and,
enable us to address, collectively, the pressing issues of our age.