The Minister of Science and Innovation says three new information and communications technology graduate schools will help keep pace with the sector's growth.
The first of the three schools will be built in Christchurch and, eventually the $28.6 million scheme is expected to support 350 students a year.
Speaking in Christchurch on Tuesday, the minister, Steven Joyce, said New Zealand's ICT sector was growing rapidly and firms were struggling to find workers with the required skills.
He anticipates students from the graduate schools will go directly into employment in the ICT sector.
New Vodafone site in Christchurch
Meanwhile, Vodafone is to establish a $50 million South Island headquarters in Christchurch.
The telco said the purpose-built, four-level facility in Tuam Street would allow it to bring together its 350 Christchurch staff, currently working across several temporary sites, into one central location.
Vodafone expects to be able to occupy the building in early 2016.
