Tech Park a ‘Game Changer’ for MIT

13 March 2019

A new centre of excellence for Engineering and Trades education in South Auckland was announced today.

“Tech Park is a game changer. It allows MIT to deliver more high value jobs to the community and much needed skills for the Auckland economy in a modern premises,” says General Manager - Tech Park, Paul Hollings.

More than 1,200 students and 100 staff will use the 9,000 square metre facility in the heart of Manukau city each week.

MIT is currently the largest provider of industry training for plumbing in the country, as well as being the biggest polytechnic provider of electrical training.

The institute is the only industry training provider for air conditioning and refrigeration technicians in New Zealand.

It is also a key educator in the mechanical and automotive trades and provider of the NZ Diploma of Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering Technology.

Furthermore, Technology Park is a major supplier of the Trades Academy scheme partnering with schools to allow students to gain vocational training while sitting NCEA.

The Technology Park initiative will bring all the institute’s trades and engineering schools under one roof for the first time since MIT was founded almost 50 years ago, these include:

• Building and Civil Construction.

• Engineering.

• Plumbing and Gasfitting.

• Refrigeration.

• Electrical.

• Automotive.

The site is a vacant section bordered by Manukau Station Rd, Lambie Drive and Wiri Station Rd owned by council. The institute has worked closely with council’s redevelopment arm Panuku Development Auckland to bring this transformational project to fruition.

“Tech Park isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s also about preparing our students for the increasing use of new energy sources including solar and electric vehicles. This means making new technology available as well as refreshing our programmes,” says MIT Chairman, Peter Winder.

The project, due to commence construction later this year, will be delivered in partnership with Haydn & Rollett.

The construction and property company will own the building and MIT will take up a thirty year lease on the facility once it is completed in June 2020.

“The great thing about this relationship with Haydn & Rollett, Panuku and MIT is that it allows the institute flexibility in providing a great new facility to students without taking on the risk associated with a major build,” says MIT chief executive, Gus Gilmore.

Tech Park will form part of Panuku’s ‘Transform Manukau’ initiative that aims to harness talent and empower communities through strategic investment in urban regeneration.

It is a key part of MIT’s overall campus strategy to provide students with the best learning environments across three locations: Manukau, Auckland CBD and the institute’s cultural heart and home, Ōtara.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff welcomed the announcement, “Creating a vibrant centre for technology, education and commerce will bring new opportunities to those living in South Auckland. Its position in the heart of Manukau will also reinforce Council’s plans to transform and regenerate this area.

“Manukau will benefit hugely from the new learning institutions, cultural centres and new houses planned for the area which bring jobs, homes and educational opportunities,” says Mayor Goff.

Close to public transport options including the new bus station and right across the road from the railway station beneath MIT Manukau, getting to and from Tech Park will be convenient for students.

They will also be able to make the most of its proximity to Hayman Park, the local library, as well as eating, shopping and entertainment options at the nearby Westfield’s mall.

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