6 July 2008

Peoples Choice says central government is the right party to assist AUT establish a campus in Manukau City.

AUT asked the council earlier this year to fund the purchase of land at the old Carter Holt Harvey site in Great South Rd, which would have required $60 million from the council. This was supported by council officers and councillors until the public had a chance to make submissions on the matter.

Peoples Choice was opposed to this idea right from the start and lodged a submission pointing out that it was a high risk investment with little tangible benefit to Manukau. Chairman Hamish Stevens said “Thankfully we convinced a sufficient number of councillors and they voted against it”.

We always said that such an investment was the role of central government.

Mr Stevens is still not convinced there is a need for the new campus. “Manukau Institute of Technology is only 10 minutes up the motorway, and has surplus land for future development. In fact it has recently had to reduce staff numbers due to fewer students”

ENDS

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