Why this report was created

Professional learning and development (PLD) is central to maintaining teaching excellence, equity of learner outcomes, and future readiness in the tertiary sector. 

In response to the evolving needs of Aotearoa New Zealand’s tertiary sector, Ako Aotearoa commissioned a strategic review of professional learning and development (PLD) across the sector. The resulting report, developed through extensive consultation with over 40 tertiary education organisations (TEOs) - offers a timely and comprehensive overview of the most pressing PLD needs, barriers to participation, and future opportunities.

Ako Aotearoa is pleased to share this sector-level summary report with you.

As with all our work, it is intended to support a wide range of tertiary education organisations with their PLD provision, including universities, wānanga, ITPs, PTEs and ITOs. 

TEOs are encouraged to consider its contents and recommendations, which focus on practical implementation, organisational priorities, and how TEOs can lead and benefit from enhanced PLD. We have also shared the report with the Tertiary Education Commission for their consideration.

Our thanks goes to the authors Dr Linda Keesing-Styles and Jane Terrell for all their hard work to ensure this can be of value to the wider sector into the future.

Recommendations for TEOs:

The following recommendations could provide a roadmap for tertiary education organisations to address PLD needs in the absence of national funding.

Focus on priority areas: currently AI, assessment, and cultural capability

• These are not just “hot topics” — they’re critical capability gaps affecting all parts of teaching and learning.

Collaborate on a shared PLD ecosystem and resource hub

• Most TEOs lack capacity to “do it all” in-house. A shared, open-access resource hub offers tools, exemplars, and community-generated materials to reduce duplication and boost impact.

Build internal PLD infrastructure and strategic alignment

• Time, staffing, and funding are major barriers, yet effective PLD is key to quality assurance, compliance, and innovation. Prioritising it internally pays dividends.

Choose delivery methods that maximise impact

• Face-to-face or live online learning is consistently rated as most effective by kaiako. Poor-quality asynchronous content can actually reduce engagement.

Tailor PLD to your people — and link to recognition mechanisms

• Generic PLD rarely sticks. Tailored content based on role, sector, and career stage improves engagement and performance.

Build and sustain peer-led learning networks

• Kaiako prefer learning from trusted colleagues. Peer mentoring, communities of practice, and knowledge-sharing events are low-cost, high-impact options.

Make PLD visible, strategic, and high value

• Staff uptake is often low due to lack of visibility, poor communication, or doubts about value. Clarity, relevance and impact tracking matter.  

Download the Summary Report

Professional learning and development in Aotearoa New Zealand’s tertiary education sector - A strategic review by Ako Aotearoa

September 2025
Report prepared for Ako Aotearoa by Dr Linda Keesing-Styles and Jane Terrell
PDF, 153Kb