Waiariki Institute of Technology has announced plans for a new $12 million building to support the delivery of tourism and hospitality programmes in Rotorua.
"In excess of 500 students are currently here, studying towards a career in tourism and hospitality," Waiariki tourism and hospitality head of department Bart Vosse said.
"Our qualifications in these areas have never been as popular as they are today, with many high schools, career advisors and industry professionals understanding and supporting the transferable skills that these industries offer.
"The new building will house a Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality, which will allow us to further showcase our innovative and applied approach to industry recognised education and research."
In giving approval to proceed, the Waiariki council highlighted the value of such a significant new facility to one of New Zealand's most popular tourism based destinations.
The desire for this state of the art investment was signalled some time ago through Waiariki's academic and facilities development strategies and it also aligns with the city's strategy for tourism and hospitality.
Although there is also alignment with the strategic direction of the proposed merger between the institute and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, the approval for the project is not dependent on the outcome of that process.
"Unfortunately a number of critics to the recent merger proposal, tried to create the impression that instead of combining resources to create a larger, more capable organisation, Waiariki, its students and staff are leaving town," council chairman Graeme Nahkies said.
"News that we have started developing a brand new building that will be a Centre of Excellence for Tourism and Hospitality, with considerable benefits for the Rotorua community, our expert staff and students, should underline just how far from the truth that is."
As well as providing a new home for Waiariki's qualifications, the modern centre will also create an additional drawcard for domestic and international students to come to Rotorua.
"The team are already engaged in a series of workshops to explore how we can create a learning environment that leads the way on a national level," Mr Vosse said.
"Building this centre sends a strong message to our community, that Waiariki will always have a strong presence in our city's main revenue generating industry. The opportunities from there are endless."
