9 December 2015

Tertiary institutes merger will maintain Rotorua’s interests says mayor

Amalgamation of Waiariki Institute of Technology and Tauranga’s Bay of Plenty Polytechnic has been confirmed today and Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick is pleased with what’s been announced.

The new institution, expected to be in place by May 2016, will function across the existing campuses in Rotorua and Tauranga with centres of excellence to be established and linked to key industries in the region. An establishment committee, led by the current chairs of the two institutes’ councils, will manage the transition.

“What’s been announced today reflects that the decision-makers have listened to our community and our concerns, and also that they’ve worked with iwi and when we see the board composition that will help us to understand and see how that’s reflected,” Mayor Chadwick said.

“I’m pleased the unique differences of our communities of interest have been taken into account.

“I think it will give us what we need – certainty for our students and to both institutions so they can now move ahead.”

The mayor said she was pleased a working party would be formed to develop the detail of how to make the merger happen.

“This is about investment in our kids so that they have the skills to take up the jobs we’re going to need for growth in Rotorua,” Mayor Chadwick said. “That will be about spa, health and wellness, tourism generally and the wood industry – those are our unique products here.”

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