NorthTec sport and recreation students were worried they wouldn't be able to complete the qualification level they wanted to when the restructuring proposal was announced. Photo/Michael Cunningham
NorthTec sport and recreation students were worried they wouldn't be able to complete the qualification level they wanted to when the restructuring proposal was announced. Photo/Michael Cunningham
NorthTec sport and recreation students say the polytech's final decision on the future of the programme is a double-edged sword.
While they are overjoyed they will be able to continue their studies, they are worried about the future of sport and recreation in Northland.
NorthTec has released details of thedecisions it reached on the restructuring proposals announced in October.
For the sport and recreation programme it means students who enrolled with the intention of completing the degree programme will be supported through to completion - welcome news for the students as a month ago they were worried for their future as the programme was on the chopping block.
Sport and recreation student Marcia Aperahama was finally able to celebrate her results when the NorthTec restructuring decision was announced. Photo/Michael Cunningham
"We received our interim results recently. But at that stage I was actually quite numb and I couldn't understand why I felt numb because I actually did really well. But I think it was because I didn't know where I was going," said Marcia Aperahama, who just finished her diploma.
"Now we are overjoyed we are able to celebrate how hard we have worked because we know where we are going."
The sport and recreation programme offers a level five certificate; a level six diploma; and Auckland University of Technology's [AUT] Bachelor of Sport and Recreation.
Students had started the programme with the intention of completing the bachelor's degree.
Krystal Currin said the NorthTec restructuring decision was a double-edged sword. Photo/Michael Cunningham
Krystal Currin, who finished the certificate this year, said the decision was a double-edged sword.
She was pleased to be able to continue on to the diploma next year, but worried for the future of the degree as NorthTec said a year one intake in 2018 was dependent on student demand and support from stakeholders.
"We're really glad we have the right to continue on but we've got to think about our tutors now and they run an amazing programme.
"It's a bit disheartening that it won't continue for the future if we can't get that intake boost," she said.
NorthTec did not say how many students were required for courses to go ahead but said all programmes of study were aware of enrolment thresholds.
"Every year courses are given budgeted numbers. Staff have been informed of when they will receive the 2018 figures with recruitment efforts ongoing.
"We are continuing our full marketing and student recruitment programme with the support of stakeholders."
