Solid result for Wintec

Wintec dean Merran Davis reported a strong result for the tertiary institution.

The annual report showed Wintec served close to 6800 equivalent full-time students in 2011, offered 10 degree programmes, eight degree level programmes (graduate diplomas and certificates) and eight post-graduate qualifications.

Last year, Wintec provided education to 19,652 students.

Highlights included a 10 per cent increase in international student numbers, increased provision for higher levels of study, a successful youth strategy embracing trades training and a campus modernisation programme.

The report pointed to a positive improvement in Maori student achievement including a 70 per cent successful course completion rate.

Ms Davis says Wintec focused on increasing domestic and international student numbers; refurbishing and investing in buildings, facilities, and new technology; committing to more sophisticated teaching methods; investing more time into research; and engaging more with community and industry partners.

"All this, combined with increased student enrolment numbers and greater efficiencies, resulted in a strong financial performance for the year."

Wintec's financial position in 2011 showed a surplus of $4.2m before abnormal items such as land sales and adjustments to asset valuations.

The surplus is $3.4m after these items, which is 4.2 per cent and over the 3 per cent threshold set by Wintec's monitoring agency, the Tertiary Education Commission.