Locals protest against potential polytech merger (+video)

About 35 locals and students have protested in opposition to a controversial merger proposal between Rotorua and Bay of Plenty tertiary institutes, fearing for the impact it could have on the city.

However Waiariki Institute of Technology's council expressed concern some people appear to have misunderstood plans for the future of the institution, saying there are no plans to close anything.

The protesters outside Waiariki's main campus today sported hot pink signs and chanted "keep Waiariki local". Several vehicles passing the site tooted their support.

The protest was led by organisers of lobby group, Keep Waiariki Local, and lasted about 30 minutes.

Waiariki student Tracey Slade is completing her Diploma in Business and took part in the protest.

She said she had been aware of the prospect of a merger, but it had not immediately rung alarm bells.

"When we first heard about a merger possibly happening, I'll be honest, I didn't think much of it. It wasn't until the business case was put online and people started talking about it that I decided to look at it more in depth."

Ms Slade said she was concerned only a small section of the business case talked about students and she did not see the point of a merger when "Waiariki isn't broken".

"I don't want to see students shoved over to Tauranga because if that's going to happen, I won't be able to continue studying at this institute. I'm not going to bus to Tauranga, even if it is free, if I only have two classes that day - it's a waste of time."

However, Waiariki council chairman Graeme Nahkies said Waiariki students, staff and facilities would stay in Rotorua.

"The proposal to merge with Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is about growth and expansion. There are no plans to close anything."

Mr Nahkies said people had a right to express their views, however it was "disappointing that some people are deliberately suggesting Waiariki needs saving".

The final decision on whether to accept the merger proposal will be made by the Minister of Tertiary Education, Steven Joyce, following consideration of all the submissions made.

The Tertiary Education Commission had received 61 submissions regarding the merger as of today. Submissions close at 5pm tomorrow.