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Protect Our Polytech

NewsApril 5

Ker optimistic about Otago Plan

It's now a waiting game for Southern polytechnics that have submitted proposals demanding changes to Government plans to reform the sector.
Ker optimistic about Otago Plan
Ker optimistic about Otago Plan
OpinionApril 2

From factory to future

Like the Ministry of Education, Prof Richard Mitchell believes New Zealand’s vocational education and training (VET) system is long overdue for change.
From factory to future
From factory to future
OpinionMarch 28

Education Minister's concerns already addressed South

Otago Polytechnic is Central to education, writes Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan. 
Education Minister's concerns already addressed South
Education Minister's concerns already addressed South
DunedinMarch 26

Council votes unanimously to support submission

The Dunedin City Council has reiterated its support for the Otago Polytechnic and its chief executive Phil Ker.
Council votes unanimously to support submission
Council votes unanimously to support submission
DunedinMarch 18

Engineering a career switch

Never in her wildest dreams did Charlotte Flaherty imagine she would retrain, at the age of 44, as a mechanical engineer.
Engineering a career switch
Engineering a career switch
DunedinMarch 15

Work on robotic arm aimed at aiding man with cerebral palsy

An electrical engineering student is undertaking a once-in-a-lifetime project at Otago Polytechnic, as she prepares to programme a $15,000 robotic arm for a young man with cerebral palsy.
Work on robotic arm aimed at aiding man with cerebral palsy
Work on robotic arm aimed at aiding man with cerebral palsy
OpinionMarch 14

Centralised model could spell end of distance learning

Thomas Tarurongo Wynne, who is studying for a master’s degree in applied management through Otago Polytechnic’s Capable NZ programme, is based in the Cook Islands.
Centralised model could spell end of distance learning
Centralised model could spell end of distance learning
DunedinMarch 14

Bridges backs Ker's alternative plan

National Party leader Simon Bridges is adding his voice to the number of local community and business players backing the alternative polytechnic merger proposal put forward by Otago Polytechnic.
Bridges backs Ker's alternative plan
Bridges backs Ker's alternative plan
OpinionMarch 13

Govt looking in the wrong direction

Carnegie Scholar Vaneeta D’Andrea, an internationally respected expert in tertiary teaching models, writes an open letter to  Minister of Education Chris Hipkins in regard to his proposals to reshape vocational education in New Zealand.
Govt looking in the wrong direction
Govt looking in the wrong direction
DunedinMarch 13

Relationships with Maori would continue

Work that Otago Polytechnic is doing with Maori partners in the community is so important it is unlikely to be compromised if a national merger proposal goes ahead, polytechnic leaders say.
Relationships with Maori would continue
Relationships with Maori would continue
NewsMarch 12

Hiring of apprentices at risk: ITO

More than half of trade employers would hire fewer apprentices if the Government implemented its polytechnic proposal, a new survey indicates.
Hiring of apprentices at risk: ITO
Hiring of apprentices at risk: ITO
NewsMarch 7

Otago Polytech making 'very compelling case'

The Protect Our Polytech campaign seems to be gaining traction, with Education Minister Chris Hipkins calling Otago Polytechnic's argument "compelling".
Otago Polytech making 'very compelling case'
Otago Polytech making 'very compelling case'
NewsMarch 6

Future of polytechs: Ker's master plan

Otago Polytechnic's Phil Ker admits he wasn't pleased at plans to centralise the tertiary institutions. But his frustration galvanised him into action and he's devised a plan to ‘‘refine the reform’’.
Future of polytechs: Ker's master plan
Future of polytechs: Ker's master plan
SouthlandMarch 6

Measure of support from SIT for Ker's proposal

The Southland Institute of Technology appears somewhat supportive of an alternative vocational education model proposed by the head of the Otago Polytechnic.
Measure of support from SIT for Ker's proposal
Measure of support from SIT for Ker's proposal
NewsMarch 4

Chamber of Commerce backs polytechnic

Top-quality people could choose to study at other places if Otago Polytechnic loses its edge under a Government plan to merge the country's polytechnics, the Otago Chamber of Commerce says.
Chamber of Commerce backs polytechnic
Chamber of Commerce backs polytechnic
NewsMarch 4

Hipkins to attend Otago Polytech meeting

Education Minister Chris Hipkins's office has confirmed he will definitely be speaking at a public meeting in the Otago Polytechnic Hub tomorrow night.
Hipkins to attend Otago Polytech meeting
Hipkins to attend Otago Polytech meeting
NewsMarch 3

Heeding lessons from the past vital to future of our rangatahi

Dunedin entrepreneur and recently awarded 2019 New Zealand Innovator of the Year Ian Taylor offers some advice to the Government in the wake of proposed changes to the country’s polytechnics.
Heeding lessons from the past vital to future of our rangatahi
Heeding lessons from the past vital to future of our rangatahi
EditorialMarch 1

Saving southern polytechnics

Make no mistake. The Government's initial proposals to change vocational education are massive. They represent a revolution not an evolution.
Saving southern polytechnics
Saving southern polytechnics
NewsMarch 1

Institution’s leader not one to give up easily

As the polytechnic sector faces a major overhaul, it is relevant to note Otago Polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker used to run marathons, writes Shane Gilchrist.
Institution’s leader not one to give up easily
Institution’s leader not one to give up easily