Otago Polytechnic

An Otago Polytechnic initiative to bring laptops and tablet computers into the homes of elderly people aims to help solve social isolation by introducing them to online social media, chief executive Phil Ker says.

The approval of a $3 million refurbishment to turn the former art gallery at Logan Park into a sports hub is a "great coup" for the city, a spokesman for Otago Polytechnic, which will become the biggest tenant of the facility, says.

Otago Polytechnic has confirmed its Community Learning Centre in South Dunedin will close, following a review of viability.

Dunedin teacher and writer Jenny Powell calls for ways to be found to save the courses threatened at Aoraki Polytechnic's Dunedin campus.

A new trades academy being set up in Cromwell could be expanded to cater for pupils from all six Central Otago and Queenstown-Lakes secondary schools.

Dunedin tertiary institutes have topped the tables again, their students ranked as having the highest completion rate of degree-level qualifications in New Zealand.

International student fees at the Otago Polytechnic will rise 4%, although the tertiary institute has decided to maintain its fees for English language courses next year at their present level.

It's a common perception that students' associations are the hotbed of leftist political activity. However, the reality is somewhat different.

Of OUSA's life members (former presidents and notable executive members of their time) only 3.5% have gone on to what could be called left-wing professions (trade unions, community advocacy, etc).

International students' course fees at Otago Polytechnic may increase by up to 4% next year, as the tertiary institute's chief executive considers whether to implement a council decision which has approved the increase in costs.

The Otago Polytechnic has decided to replace the coal-fired heating system for its Dunedin campus with wood chip and lpg boilers, despite the alternative fuels being almost a third more expensive than coal.