Telford Rural Polytechnic is considering setting up an
agricultural course on Great Barrier Island, in the Hauraki
Gulf near Auckland.
Telford academic director Lynne Johnstone visited the Orama
Christian Community on Great Barrier Island last week to
discuss working with the Orama Trust to set up an agriculture
course on the island next year.
Telford could run a full-time course for students from the
greater Auckland area for a Certificate in Agriculture
course.
The Orama Trust was a complex of farmlets and could provide
hostel-style accommodation for up to 170 people, she said.
Telford chief executive Jonathan Walmisley said a business
case would be put to the Telford senior management team in
the next few weeks to see if the venture was viable.
It would also be dependent on demand from 12 or more
students, and a suitable tutor, he said.
Mrs Johnstone said Telford was not planning on taking over
the running of the farms, which would remain in Orama's
management, but Telford students would be rotated through the
trust's farmlets and other neighbouring farms to give them
practical experience.
- rachel.taylor@odt.co.nz
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