Government cuts $160m from 'low-value' courses

The Government is to cut $160 million of funding from polytechnic courses labelled "low value" in a major shake-up of tertiary education, Education Minister Trevor Mallard announced today.

The changes are the result of a State Services Commission review following embarrassment over controversial courses such as sing-a-long Maori and twilight golf.

Mr Mallard pledged the money would go into a $177.8 million five-year reinvestment fund for high-quality courses which would also ensure financially-strapped tertiary institutions remained viable.

- NZPA