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Aoraki shambles shuffling deckchairs
Aoraki shambles shuffling deckchairs
10 November 2015
Media Release: New Zealand Union of Students’
Associations
The national student union is doubtful the
merger between Aoraki Polytechnic and CPIT will produce
better outcomes for students.
National student president Rory McCourt says the merger process has been long, and proponents unclear about how it would turn around the two institutions' fortunes in an underfunded sector.
“In the last seven years, our regional polytechnics have had very tough choices to make in the face of falling funding. Some have chosen to shift their focus to lucrative international students in Auckland, while others have stayed committed to their local rohe. Aoraki did the right thing, -it valued regional provision, and its reward has been disestablishment.”
“We shouldn’t pretend that this merger fixes the Government’s chronic underfunding of regional polytechnics. It doesn't change institutions shifting their focus to Auckland, or that student numbers are set to fall in the next few years. Our polytechs are up against the wall. This merger is only the start."
“For anyone looking at the long-term future of regional provision in this country, this merger is just shuffling deckchairs.”
Mr McCourt says the pressure will remain to cut costs.
“We’d be concerned if quality face-to-face provision is replaced by cheap online courses or ‘blended learning’. Regional provision is about getting locals the skills and knowledge they need, not about making money.”
“To be successful, this merger needs a strong, independent local student voice. It’s the only way to guard against rash cuts to provision.”
Mr McCourt says the Minister’s late decision gives Aoraki students only 10 days of term time left to prepare for the fact their institution won’t exist next year.
“It’s a joke that Steven Joyce expects this merger to go ahead on 1 January after faffing about for months on end. Staff and students need more notice than just six weeks. His management of this sector is becoming a shambles.”
ENDS
NZUSA - New Zealand Union of Students' Associations
We stand for opportunity, for all.
NZUSA is the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations, the national body that represents New Zealand's students' associations and the interests of New Zealand's 400,000 students at universities, polytechnics and in trades training.
We conduct original research, advocate to Government and through the media, and support New Zealand's students' associations to be more effective on behalf of their members. We advocate alongside Te Mana Akonga – The National Māori Students' Association, and Tertiary Women New Zealand – The NZUSA Women's Caucus.
Since 1929, we've believed in a society rich in opportunity, where anyone from anywhere can become any thing. We support accessible, affordable quality public tertiary education.
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