Possible education changes for the Bay

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Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Waiariki Institute of Technology are exploring further collaboration options that aim to increase tertiary study and training opportunities for people in the Bay of Plenty.

Potential options range from maintaining their current approach, further joint developments of academic programmes and sharing of services, and even closer integration, including forming a new combined entity.

Ian Turner, Chair of the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Council, and Graeme Nahkies, Chair of the Waiariki Institute of Technology Council, said in a press release today the two institutions had begun an investigation of potential options for further collaboration.

Both chairs said it was important for the Bay of Plenty's future to improve participation and success in tertiary education, particularly for M?ori and Pasifika people and youth.

The chairs said it was now time to look in detail at what options might be possible for further collaboration.

Potential options, including possible costs and benefits, would be undertaken as part of the exploratory approach.

The Councils of both institutions are also engaging with staff, unions, students and the wider community, including iwi and employers.

The Councils of the two institutions will develop a consultation document within two to three months, which will outline proposed options for further development.

"The goal is to deliver even better and more sustainable access to quality vocational and professional education and training because that is key to the development and future performance of our region and its communities," said Mr Turner and Mr Nahkies.