Executive director Megan Potiki said yesterday, two days after it was announced the school would become part of a "federation model" of polytechnics, she had still not been contacted by Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds about the changes.
"We were particularly disappointed to see the minister had time to write media opinion pieces about Otago Polytechnic and other institutes of technology and polytechnics, but at no point has she reached out to us prior to or after the announcement to discuss why this has happened and what it means for Otago Polytechnic," Dr Potiki said.
She had demanded a meeting with Ms Simmonds.
Ms Simmonds announced the breakup of mega-polytechnic Te Pukenga on Monday.
Otago Polytechnic was named one of the 10 regional polytechnics to be returned to regional control, but it will not fully stand alone and instead be part of a "federation model" alongside the Open Polytechnic and Universal College of Learning (Ucol).
Dr Potiki said she had "reached out to the minister, seeking an urgent meeting to explain the decision and requesting details around the specific criteria and processes for exiting the federation and regaining true independent status".
The government’s decision would limit the institution’s autonomy as well as place Dunedin’s status as a centre for academic excellence under threat, she said.
Details of the polytechnic’s plans and pathway had been shared previously with both the minister and the Tertiary Education Commission.
"We believe Otago Polytechnic is progressing well towards a position of financial viability and long-term sustainability, and are committed to our ongoing plan of programme and operational reviews [which began in late 2024] to enable us to reach these targets," Dr Potiki said.
"It just seems quite bizarre that two institutions can be both standalone and federation at the same time.
"It doesn’t make any sense to me."
The government had probably already made its mind up about Otago Polytechnic’s future, he said.
"We’re dealing with a situation where the Vocational Education Minister is making out that this is a zero-sum game, that there’s X amount of money and that institutions have to be successful within that X amount of money, whatever it might be.
"What New Zealand needs, and what this government’s prepared to pay for, are miles apart."
Taieri Labour MP Ingrid Leary said she was very concerned that ongoing cuts and the pressure for financial viability would lead to job losses and the discontinuation of "important but low-enrolment programmes".
"The new federation model threatens local autonomy, quality teaching and regional course offerings — especially those crucial for small communities, but not profitable at scale."
The Otago Daily Times approached Ms Simmonds for comment.
She said being part of the federation would give Otago Polytechnic access to the additional support of services and programmes while they "work through their pathway to financial viability".
"The federation model allows polytechnics to collaborate on things like online learning resources, IT, procurement, or specialist expertise — helping reduce duplication and support financial sustainability.
"Let me be very clear, Otago Polytechnic will have its own council governance structure with local people on it. Any decisions about staffing or course offerings will be made locally, in response to what’s needed on the ground — not dictated by the federation. The federation is there to support not control Otago Polytechnic.
"My expectations are clear: polytechnics will be stood up in a sound financial position and they will need to maintain their financial sustainability."
