Media release
2 December 2005

Mayor delighted over plans for unique new tertiary institution in Manukau

Manukau City Council is to work with the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to develop a new tertiary campus at Manukau City Centre. It will not be a university but will be the first joint campus in New Zealand offering university level qualifications as well as pre-degree programmes from both the MIT and AUT.

A partnering agreement has been signed and MIT is to lead the planning, with the AUT as the prime university partner.

The facility is expected to open in early 2007 with between 500 and 1000 students, and a fifty-year development plan anticipates there will be 10,000 EFT (equivalent full time) students at the campus eventually.

A name has not yet been decided on but the new facility will be located in the heart of Manukau City Centre and operated as a satellite campus of MIT and AUT. A number of sites are under consideration.

Manukau is the fastest growing city in New Zealand and it is anticipated the population will grow to around 400,000, and retain its very young population. Forty two per cent of residents are under 25, compared to the national average of thirty six per cent.

Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says, “We have been developing this plan for some time as it’s clear there’s a great need for more education options for our young people. Education is the key to a better future and our youthful population should be able to get degree-level qualifications without having to travel a long distance to study.

“I am determined that the courses and qualifications available will match the requirements of our business community, so that graduates’ skills and qualifications will link with our local industries, and graduates will be able to find work locally.

“This new facility will be great news for the city centre and help bring a lively new atmosphere. At the moment the city centre is very quiet, but we are planning for more apartments, more people and more shops and entertainment venues to bring life and soul to the area.

“Students add life and a buzz wherever they are and I am looking forward to the impact of thousands of students on the streets every day. They’ll transform it. They’ll also be spending money, and I expect the campus will bring in around $150 million a year to the local economy once it is fully established.”

ENDS

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