Lincoln University says it intends transferring the operations of its Telford division to North Island-based Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, as negotiations continue for the future of the campus.
Lincoln and Taratahi announced yesterday a statement of intent was signed between the two providers, with the support of the Telford Farm Board, which included provision for the transfer of operations at Telford to Taratahi.
Enrolments in the certificate in agriculture and the diplomas in agriculture and rural veterinary technician opened yesterday, which confirmed the courses would still be offered at Telford this year.
This followed a decision by Lincoln to withdraw its support from Telford after funding was cut to level three and level four courses.
Sixteen redundancies at Telford were announced as part of a review of Lincoln's operations last year.
Discussions between Taratahi and Lincoln were ongoing and nothing was confirmed.
Telford Division interim director Joan Grace said the announcement was the start of a process.
Lincoln did not have similar agreements or statements of intentions with any other educational providers.
When asked if there would be further redundancies in the event of the transfer, Ms Grace said it was too early to comment until the negotiations were over.
''A successful transfer could see Telford's staff numbers increase over the medium term,'' she said.
Tertiary Education Union national president Sandra Grey said it was worrying the announcement from Lincoln and Taratahi did not address what would happen in the event the discussions were not successful.
Telford Farm Board chairman Murray Pilgrim was ''delighted with the progress'' made between Lincoln University and Taratahi.
''A positive outcome will ensure the successful continuation of vocational training for the industry.''
While it was a positive outcome there was still a chance the negotiations could falter at the last hurdle, he said.
There was still a ''fair bit of work to do''.
''At least it is a start.''
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan praised the way the farm board had dealt with the negotiations, given the difficult situation.
''Telford lives to fight another day and thankfully, Taratahi saw the potential in Telford.''
He said while enrolments being opened and the signing of the statement of intent were signs of a way forward, it was frustrating Lincoln did not have a ''plan B'' if negotiations fell through.
''It's an invidious position for Telford to be in but thankfully, they are moving forward.''
He described Telford as the jewel in the Clutha district's crown.
Ms Grace said Lincoln took into account the importance of Telford to the community and to the industry.
She expected to welcome a large number of students to the Telford campus at the end of the month.
Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay, who helped with local discussions last year, said Telford's learning programmes were highly valued and should be preserved.
The best option for Telford was for another provider to take over course delivery.
''I believe a transfer could result in Telford becoming a stronger entity than it ever was under Lincoln,'' Mr Barclay said.
The practical nature of the training offered at Telford was a critical part of the industry, he said.
The Tertiary Education Commission was being kept informed during the negotiation process.
Lincoln University remained committed to its teaching obligations to students.
Students who start at Telford this year, and who successfully complete their enrolled programmes, will receive a Lincoln University qualification.
