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The second World Congress of Colleges and Polytechnics was held in Melbourne, Australia in March 2002. The Congress explored outcomes aligned to themes of accessibility, technology and globalisation, strengthening partnerships and youth as a vocational education and training (VET) customer. Representatives from colleges and polytechnics from many countries shared experience and insight over a wide range of VET issues including VET as a positive force in economic and social development, best practice in the governance and management of institutions, the latest developments in curriculum and delivery approaches to VET and lifelong learning, and the development of global linkages intended to support colleges and polytechnics in all countries. This paper was presented under the theme of expanding accessibility and as part of the workshop on blurring the boundaries between education sectors. The paper examines the process by which degree programs were introduced into polytechnics in New Zealand and how this initiative has changed the face of tertiary education in that country. The outcomes of the expansion of degree programs outside the university sector are briefly discussed and the author concludes that, generally, the presence of applied degrees aimed at producing graduates 'ready for work' has been a positive initiative.