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Drastic changes to Polytechnic governance alarming
Drastic changes to Polytechnic governance alarming
Student leaders are gravely concerned at the proposed changes to the governance of Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics and are calling on the Government to come clean about its’ plans in the sector and immediately consult with all tertiary sector groups on the matter.
Leaked documents released to the media over the weekend show that the Minister of Tertiary Education, Anne Tolley, is planning to drastically reduce the size of Polytechnic councils to eight members by removing community group representation.
“Students strongly value the current representative governance model as it ensures that a wide range of opinions are represented when important decisions are made,” said Sophia Blair, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations. “Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics, by being places of learning, are democratic institutions of our society and as a result, they should reflect this in their decision making processes. By contrast, the Minister’s proposed changes seek to create less transparency, less accountability and shut out community voices,” said Blair.
“The proposed changes to representative governance are completely at odds with the Government’s previously stated agenda in tertiary education which demands the sector be responsive to the needs of its’ communities, learners and industry,” said Blair. “How does the Government expect to provide appropriate education and ensure robust decision making at the highest levels when it removes the very mechanism for ensuring this can happen?” added Blair.
“We are deeply concerned at the manner in which this proposal has been developed – it has been secretive, appears baseless in its recommendations, and is entirely without adequate consultation. For such significant changes, this is extremely poor process and totally unacceptable’, said Blair.
“Of great concern is the dangerous precedent these changes create for the entire sector, and the government can expect strong opposition should they continue with this plan”, concluded Blair.
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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