Horticulture coup for Hawke's Bay polytechnic

Hawkes Bay's Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) polytechnic says it has scored a tertiary education coup that will make the region New Zealand's main centre for horticultural learning.

The polytechnic has signed a deal with Massey University and crown science company HortResearch to become a centre of excellence in horticultural education.

The three-part joint venture, HortAlliance, will cater for school leavers, undergraduates and those already working in the industry.

EIT chief executive Bruce Martin said the initiative would provide an excellent platform from which to deliver courses relevant to the industry and exciting to students from other regions.

He said links the EIT had already built with Charles Sturt University in Australia would provide degree courses in viticulture and wine science to the HortAlliance.

Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton has warned Marlborough wine growers that a wine education project they are planning may undercut the EIT's programme.

- NZPA