In a statement released by deputy executive directors for academic delivery Chris Williamson and for industry training Mark Cartwright, the institution said it proposed changes to three of its programmes — two run out of the Central Otago campus and one run out of the Dunedin campus.
They were the New Zealand certificate in outdoor and adventure education (multi-skilled — level 4), Otago Secondary Tertiary College (OSTC) certificate in cookery (level 3) and New Zealand certificate in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying (level 3).
"Otago Polytechnic is in a situation where we need to ensure the financial viability of our organisation to be able to stand alone, so we can contribute to a strong and sustainable vocational education system," they said.
"We are expecting government announcements in July with more details on the future of the sector, including funding, and which ITPs can be established independently from next year."
Over the past year, Otago Polytechnic has gone through several waves of restructures in a bid to remain financially sustainable and autonomous.
It cut nine programmes late last year, and is in the process of drastically downscaling Capable NZ, which was once the most popular course at the polytechnic.
They also expect to sell the Cromwell campus soon.
"We are considering leasing out the commercial kitchen while a sale is finalised, and we’ve been unable to identify suitable alternative premises for delivering this programme in the future," the polytechnic said in regards to the certificate in cookery (level 3) course.
Tertiary Education Union organiser Gail Arthur said it felt like a second wave after last year’s "big bang" of course cuts.
"It feels like the tip of the iceberg.
"Because all of these have to be done individually, the effect is cumulative."
Ms Arthur said part of the issue appeared to be the lack of marketing of courses since the creation of mega-polytechnic Te Pukenga, which is now in the process of being broken up.
"Te Pūkenga disestablished their national marketing team some time ago — last year, I think.
"They’ve since stepped that up again under the individual divisions, but it’s almost too little too late.
"So, all of the staff have raised that. They’re actually teachers, but they’ve been doing their own marketing — they’ve been doing Facebook and they’ve been out there at industry shows.
"They’ve been going out touting for business. We would argue that’s not their core mahi."
Otago Polytechnic executive director Dr Megan Potiki said while it was focused on achieving financial viability with the aim of standing alone, these evaluation processes would continue irrespective of the government’s decision, which was expected this month.
"They are ongoing business practices that support the longer-term sustainability of Otago Polytechnic."
