Tertiary education policy in Aotearoa New Zealand has been shaped by political, economic, and social ideologies. Although universities and polytechnics are both tertiary education providers, they do not occupy this space on an equal footing. There are differences in the qualifications offered, and the levels of monitoring and oversight required by government. The passing of the Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Act 2020 has underscored these differences. The subsequent establishment and naming of Te Pukenga, which translates as 'the skills', implies a policy direction for education provided by the polytechnic sector. Policy objectives for Vocational Education and Training (VET) aim at providing students with access to meaningful qualifications, decent work and economic and social inclusion. However, policy implementation is rarely straightforward. This article explores how the focus on skills implicit in the naming of Te Pukenga potentially makes this an aspirational rather than material policy goal.