The Government's overhaul of polytechnic councils has begun.
Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce on Wednesday named the ministerial appointments to the councils of each of the 20 institutes of technology and polytechnics.
On 1 May, polytechnic councils made up of 12 to 18 members will be replaced by councils of eight members - half of them ministerial appointees.
The Government says the change will strengthen the performance of polytechnics, although some in the sector feel they have been unfairly singled out.
The chairs of 10 councils are being replaced. Also significant is the appointment of a common chair, former National MP Roger Sowry, as well as a deputy chair to Whitireia and Wellington polytechnics.
Tertiary education consultant Graeme McNally will chair Tai Poutini Polytechnic and sit on Aoraki Polytechnic's council.
The New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics was positive about the appointments.
Chair James Buwalda says the sharing of members between some councils will encourage greater collaboration between institutions.
