Merger Of Polytechnics A Victory For Common Sense

10 April 2001

MERGER OF WELLINGTON POLYTECHNICS A VICTORY FOR COMMON SENSE

"The announcement today that two neighbouring Wellington polytechnics, the Central Institute of Technology and the Hutt Valley Polytechnic, are finally to merge is an encouraging victory for common sense in the education sector," said Simon Carlaw, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Manufacturers Federation.

"What all stakeholders, especially employers and students, want from such institutions is quality, including quality of resources and quality of focus. Both have been lagging. Together they will have the opportunity to save costs and to more effectively deliver the skills that the Wellington region needs to grow.

"We also hope that this process will not be limited to the Hutt Valley and Wellington. Too many similar institutions around New Zealand are struggling and too few are really tackling their core problems. Local delivery is fine only if the product is first class. If not tough steps need to be taken without delay to protect the quality required by employers and assumed by students.

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