Tourism educator goes broke

A hospitality and tourism training provider has lost its Government funding after going broke.

Arahia Qualitech, also known as Arahia Institute of Learning, has stopped its training courses after the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) -- which allocates government money -- suspended funding.

TEC group manager Max Kerr said Rotorua's Arahia was insolvent and funding had been suspended to protect students' learning and taxpayers' money.

The institute's 46 students have been offered the chance to enrol with new provider Career NetWork which has begun operating at the same Hinemoa St venue, Mr Kerr said.

One of Arahia's directors, Leanne Morehu, confirmed the organisation was insolvent. The company officially closed yesterday and Career NetWork would start offering courses from today.

Most of the staff employed by Arahia had been taken on by Career NetWork but Mrs Morehu said she was looking at other options.

There were "probably a lot of reasons" why the company had become insolvent, she said.

Courses provided by the tertiary education institute included portering, wine stewarding, bartending, front desk reception and administration.

Students could also learn about the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, host responsibility and receive further training towards gaining a General Manager's Certificate.

Career NetWork spokesman Gary McAuliffe said the new provider had been asked to continue the courses so students could complete their qualifications and gain employment in the tourism and hospitality industry.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)