Otago Polytechnic leadership is pleading with Penny Simmonds for a meeting to explain why they have been lumped in with a federation model nearly a month after the initial announcement.
The decision, which was announced last month, blind-sided the polytechnic and so far, the vocational education minister’s explanations for the decision have been less than forthcoming.
It came as part of the shake-up of the country’s polytechnic system with the break-up of mega-polytechnic Te Pukenga — Otago Polytechnic was named as one of the 10 regional polytechs (ITPs) 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).
Ms Simmonds said she had not arranged a meeting with Otago Polytechnic.
"I responded to [Otago Polytechnic executive director] Dr Megan Pōtiki on July 17 advising her that I will endeavour to meet each polytechnic once the establishment advisory groups are appointed.
"I look forward to meeting Dr Megan Pōtiki and the Otago Polytechnic’s establishment advisory group in the near future."
She also confirmed the polytechnics learned their fate through the media.
Green MP Francisco Hernandez said the whole situation had been a farce.
"It’s appalling that polytech staff learned of their fate through the media. This is indicative of the secrecy, disorganisation and lack of transparency that has infested this project from the start."
Labour MP Shanan Halbert has also sent a letter to Ms Simmonds asking why she has not arranged a meeting with Otago Polytechnic.
"Meeting the institution would also give you the opportunity to explain the changes directly to those most affected and to listen to the concerns of a provider delivering long-standing vocational education in the region."
Mr Halbert told the Otago Daily Times that Ms Simmonds needed to "pause" the polytechnic reform, as she had "cut across the select committee process by making these announcements".
Dr Potiki has asked for urgency in the matter.
"Otago Polytechnic has sent a follow-up letter [email] to the minister for vocational education, requesting a meeting — either in person or online — with us sooner than her previously indicated timeframe of ‘once the establishment advisory groups are appointed.
"We have offered to provide any further documentation, planning information, or finance details that may be of help to her, and are hopeful of a productive conversation."
