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The West Coast of the South Island is expecting an influx of students and an injection into the West Coast economy following a decision by Tai Poutini Polytechnics Council to continue its No Tuition Fees Policy in 2009.
Full time students at Tai Poutini's Greymouth, Reefton, Westport and Hokitika campuses will be eligible for the scheme which last year injected approximately $8 million into the West Coast economy.
Tai Poutini Polytechnic offers a broad range of programmes including outdoor recreation, jade carving, chef training, tourism, nanny training, civil construction and business. All of these programmes have a strong link to the unique West Coast region where they are based.
As well as West Coast programmes, Tai Poutini Polytechnic also offer options in Auckland, Christchurch and Wanaka, and has now has a solid base of some 2270 full time students.
Tai Poutini Polytechnic chief executive Paul Wilson says the council's decision will not just benefit students, but the entire West Coast community, including employers.
This decision will have a significant flow-on effect for West Coast employers who at the time of graduation will be able to tap into a significant skills resource.
Tai Poutini Polytechnic Chair of Council, Mr Allan Beaumont says the renewal of the No Tuition Fees funding is consistent with its commitment to prepare students for their chosen career at a specialised level.
