Labour Party education spokesman Chris Hipkins will be keeping a close eye on the merger of Rotorua and Tauranga's polytechnics after visiting some of Rotorua's education providers.
Mr Hipkins today met with staff at Kea Street Specialist School and Lynmore Primary School and members of the Rotorua Principals' Association.
Tonight he is holding an open question and answer session at the New Zealand School of Tourism.
During his visit he also met with Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Secondary Tertiary Pathway manager Annie Waterworth and interim chief executive Neil Barns to discuss the merger and get up to speed on the issues facing students.
Mr Hipkins said the merger was not a concern right now, but there were components of it he would be keeping an eye on.