Waiariki and BOP Polytech 'exploring' collaboration options

Waiariki Institute of Technology graduation procession. 10 March 2015. PHOTO/Stephen Parker

Waiariki Institute of Technology and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic say they're exploring options for further collaboration to increase tertiary opportunities for people in Bay of Plenty.

Ian Turner, chairman of the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Council, and Graeme Nahkies, chairman of the Waiariki Institute of Technology Council, said today the two institutions had begun an investigation of potential options for further collaboration.

The two chairmen said it was important for the Bay of Plenty's future to improve participation and success in tertiary education particularly for Maori and Pasifika people and youth.

The specific tertiary opportunities and needs for the region are identified in a number of recent strategies, including the Bay of Plenty Regional Tertiary Intentions Strategy which identified the potential for greater collaboration in the tertiary sector.

They said now was the time to look in detail at what options might be possible for further collaboration.

Potential options range from maintaining the current approach, further collaborative development of academic programmes and sharing of services, and even closer integration, including forming a new combined entity.

An assessment of potential options, including possible costs and benefits, will be undertaken as part of the exploratory approach.

The councils of the two institutions are also engaging with staff, unions, students and the wider community, including iwi and employers.

They will develop a consultation document within two to three months, which will outline some proposed option(s) for further consultation.

"The goal is to deliver even better and more sustainable access to quality vocational and professional education and training because that is key to the development and future performance of our region and its communities," Mr Turner and Mr Nahkies said in a statement.