In Aotearoa New Zealand, changes to the political landscape have made it increasingly difficult for Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITP) to successfully deliver programmes in regions away from urban centres. Within this context, research was undertaken to identify some of the tensions associated with regional strategy development. Findings highlighted that each community and their needs are different; positive partnerships are required; there are resourcing challenges, yet ITP staff demonstrate a strong sense of social and moral responsibility to their learners and communities.