Tai Poutini Polytech posts $2.7 million surplus;

Tai Poutini Polytech posts $2.7 million surplus;

For the sixth year in a row, Tai Poutini Polytech on the West Coast of the South Island today reported a significant million operating surplus while operating in niche markets.

Tai Poutini, based in Greymouth, ended the financial year to December 31, 2005 with an operating surplus of $2.7 million.

This represented 11.3 percent on an income of $23.8 million, which is likely to be among the highest in the tertiary sector.

Nearly 17,000 students enrolled during the year, or 3266 fulltime equivalent students (EFTS), compared with just 588 full time students in 2000.

Chief executive Don Campbell said a highlight of the year was the opening of a campus in Westport to add to Tai Poutini’s stable in Greymouth, Hokitika, Reefton, Wanaka, Christchurch and Auckland.

``We are in a strong position for the future having strong links with industry. All key indicators have been bettered, driven by the needs of the economy, industry and the students.

``We are operating in niche markets like our digger and oil schools and the tyre service programmes. We will be well positioned as the country looks to spend $3 billion on roading.

``Our successful digger school operates in Hamilton, Masterton and Christchurch and will shortly have a presence in northern Southland.

``Tai Poutini is committed to upskilling the New Zealand workforce to increase productivity. We played our part in 2005 in achieving this.’’

Tai Poutini are also the sole provider of trained scaffolders in New Zealand and they are the biggest trainer of search and rescuers.

They are the only polytech in New Zealand which also runs search and rescue courses, with the backing of Search and Rescue New Zealand.

Tai Poutini played a pivotal support role last year in the 10th commemoration anniversary of the Cave Creek tragedy next April. Thirteen Tai Poutini students and a DOC officer died on April 28 1995 when a platform collapsed in the Paparoa national park.

Tai Poutini, New Zealand’s most isolated polytech, spent $3 million on capital expenditure including student accommodation purchase, a farm, vehicle fleet upgrades and heavy plant machinery.

``We’re investing heavily in our future and spending a lot of money mainly on the West Coast,’’ Campbell said.

Ends

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