Otago vice-chancellor Grant Robertson said the College of Education campus in Nelson St, South Invercargill, would be moved to the SIT’s main campus in the central city, as part of the SOI’s ‘‘first tangible step’’ towards increased collaboration.
Mr Robertson and SIT chief executive Bharat Guha recently signed the agreement in Invercargill, creating a framework for both institutions to work together in areas that may include sharing expertise, resources, facilities, technology or teaching programmes.
Mr Robertson said strengthening links between the tertiary institutions in the lower South Island was important because it maximised the tertiary education opportunities for the communities they served.
He said the college’s Invercargill campus would make the move to the SIT campus at the end of this year, and continue delivering its programmes there from the start of 2027.
The academic leadership, curriculum, qualifications and staff would all remain with the University of Otago.
While Otago and the SIT have collaborated previously on individual activities, Mr Robertson said the SOI was the first time a wide-ranging framework had been put in place.
It was noted that particular opportunities could arise in academic programmes delivered out of Invercargill — where the SIT is the lead tertiary provider for the Southland region — and in the Queenstown Lakes district, where the SIT is already established and the university is developing its presence.
‘‘We know from our long-standing work in Dunedin with Otago Polytechnic, that there is real value in collaboration across our sector,’’ Mr Robertson said.
‘‘This statement of intent with SIT recognises that working together more closely creates potential for greater efficiencies in delivery and resource sharing.’’
However, it did not commit Otago or the SIT to spending money or making resources available in the first instance, he said.
SIT chief executive Bharat Guha welcomed the closer collaboration.
‘‘We warmly welcome Otago University’s College of Education staff and students to the SIT’s campus.
‘‘They are not just changing locations, they’re joining a community of like-minded staff and students, where there will be new opportunities to forge friendships and take advantage of new resources.’’
College of Education dean Vivienne Anderson said she was looking forward to strengthening ties between Otago and the SIT.
‘‘Operating within the SIT environment will offer new opportunities for connection, collaboration and support across both institutions.
‘‘We believe this will be beneficial for staff and students alike.’’
