The Government has proposed a major shake-up of the polytechnic sector, which would include a centralised head office controlling regional campuses, to address the financial stresses faced by several North Island institutions.
Otago Polytechnic and the Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill, which are both profitable and successful organisations, have strenuously opposed the draft plan, which is still being considered by Cabinet.
Speaking at a post-Budget briefing in Dunedin, Dr Clark, the Health and Associate Finance Minister, said he would be bound by Cabinet collective responsibility to support whatever decision the Government made, but added that as Otago Polytechnic's local MP he had ensured its voice was heard.
''Institutions need to be flexible to meet local needs. That is something I think is really important,'' Dr Clark said.
For example, it was important Otago Polytechnic played a role in supporting the rebuild of Dunedin Hospital by training people who would eventually work on the project, he said.
''It's not just the rebuild, but Otago Polytechnic is also working with the district health board and others around what other training opportunities need to be available and what investment they should make, and those decisions need to be taken at a local level.''
Speaking to the Otago Daily Times afterwards, Dr Clark said he recognised how successful Otago Polytechnic had been across the region in supporting business and providing training and skills opportunities, and showing what was possible within the current system.
''My firm view is that while I accept the general proposition that we need change across the sector - because the polytech sector is facing serious challenges and provision is being lost from lots of areas in the country and no responsible government could stand by and let that happen -
I am also clear as the local member I want to see the best of what we have got preserved, so we can continue to have a locally responsive polytechnic which trains people well and that supports business locally.''
Dr Clark would not be drawn on when an announcement on the future of polytechnics might be made, saying that was a matter for Education Minister Chris Hipkins.
