QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College campus an “excellent” development for Northland

New Zealand’s leading Tourism and Hospitality Management College, Queenstown Resort College’s (QRC) decision to establish a Tai Tokerau campus in Paihia is an “excellent” development for the economy in the region says Northland Inc CEO David Wilson.

“This is a wonderful initiative for Northland and we’re delighted that QRC, whose graduates are highly rated both locally and internationally, has made the astute decision to set up a campus in our region,” Mr Wilson says.

“We’re aware that QRC spent the last year assessing the viability of Northland towns for this venture and are pleased they have emerged with so many positives to come to this decision.”

QRC says it had a number of reasons for deciding to go ahead with their proposal for its campus – QRC Tai Tokerau Tourism and Hospitality Management College – in Paihia.

“Tourism is high on the priority list of the Government’s Northland Strategy, and combined with proposed investment in the sector to provide career outcomes for graduates, the timing is right to introduce QRC to the region,” says QRC CEO Charlie Phillips.

“It is part of the Tertiary Education Strategy of addressing some of the social issues and influences facing Maori youth and we were recognised as having the capability to implement such a campus.”

He says QRC considered various locations in Northland, but ultimately chose Paihia because it is Northland’s premier tourism town and offers a unique learning environment.

Mr Wilson expects QRC to employ a similar model which has worked well in Queenstown.

“QRC’s vision for setting up a campus in Northland sits well with the recommendations for developing tourism here as outlined in the Tai Tokerau Northland Growth Study. It fits with the need to support skills development in the key sectors in Northland.

“Having a well-recognised and respected establishment such as QRC here will assist the continued growth in our tourism sector and add to Northland’s reputation as a destination to visit.

“What they are looking to do is replicate the successful approach they have employed in Queenstown which views the industry as partners in the regional tourism sector,” Mr Wilson says.

ENDS

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