West Coast polytech left with two options for survival

Joining with another tertiary education organisation is one of two options on the cards for the struggling Greymouth-based Tai Poutini Polytechnic, as it carves out a path to survival.

The polytechnic has been saddled with debt, coupled with declining student numbers. A Crown manager was appointed before Christmas.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic is Greymouth-based, with campuses in Auckland and Christchurch, with smaller campuses in Westport, Hokitika, Wanaka, Reefton and Westport.

In April, it received a $3.6 million bailout from the Government to allow it to keep operating.

In an update today to stakeholders, chief executive Alex Cabrera said he and the Crown manager, Murray Strong, had met with Tertiary Education Minister Paul Goldsmith last week.

The minister had asked Tai Poutini Polytechnic to progress an initial report into a formal business case.

"We know that maintaining the 'status quo' is not sustainable for us, so being asked to progress our exploration into the two options we outlined to the minister is great news," Mr Cabrera said.

The two options to explore are:

  • What opportunities joining with another tertiary education organisation may offer for West Coast learners.
  • What opportunities developing a new model tertiary organisation with a strong community focus may offer for West Coast learners.

The minister wanted the business case before the end of this year, so there was "a strong sense of urgency" to progress both options, Mr Cabrera said.

Meanwhile, polytechnic staff had been doing a great job, having achieved business improvements while also finding cost savings, he said.

All programmes were continually being assessed for relevance and, where student numbers or industry demand was not sufficient, some "tough decisions" would need to be made about their future.

The Tertiary Education Commission recently confirmed funding for the second half of this year, bringing in a total of $15.4 million funding for the whole of 2017.

Mr Cabrera said they needed a more student-centred system and to meet the needs of industry through relevant, responsive, and supportive teaching.

They had to improve performance across the system, and enable and encourage innovative new models and providers.

It would be closely aligned to the West Coast economic action plan.

"Quite frankly, I don't believe we can provide the minister with the best information about the future of tertiary education and vocational training on the West Coast unless we work closely with the very people it will affect," Mr Cabrera said.

He also said it was likely the closure of Greymouth education provider Front-line (formerly Karoro Learning) would leave a gap on the West Coast and create new demand for alternative courses.

In June, the polytechnic announced it was closing its civil plant operation programme in Southland.

- by Laura Mills

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