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Positive Outcomes Achieved For Waikato Region

Published: Wed 16 Apr 2008 01:57 PM
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April 16 2008
Wintec Annual Report Highlights Positive Outcomes Achieved For Waikato Region
Wintec's 2007 Annual Report highlights a year of achievements by students and staff, a major modernisation milestone and a year of riding significant change in the sector.
Chair of Wintec Council, Gordon Chesterman said the report recently tabled in Parliament, outlined a $504,000 loss over a $65.5 million revenue which he attributed to the institute responding to TEC required changes in the way polytechnics are to perform. He said the institute had also decided to complete aspects of its modernisation programme to best position itself in a new environment.
This included the opening of its $12 million student hub facility. The hub provides access to students seven days a week, 24 hours a day, reflecting a new wave of learning. The Hub is the envy of the sector, is currently the most  technologically advanced facility of its type in the country and clearly demonstrates the investment in world-best practice is paying dividends.
"The year was, as predicted, a difficult one in which slightly lower student numbers in some areas combined with restructuring changes - with associated expenditure, made for a challenging year. In context of the changes, and the performance of the sector as a whole the overall result was actually relatively pleasing," Chesterman said.
"Last year Wintec continued to take a leadership role in ITP and PTE sector collaborations and a host of regional initiatives. Of note was creating an opportunity for Sport Waikato to establish it's $3million Sport House on the institute's Avalon campus. Another milestone was the agreement of K'aute Pasifika (a local PTE) to relocate to the city campus."
Two prominent businessmen, industrialist John Gallagher and leading manufacturer Laurie Pilling were awarded Wintec Fellowships for their achievements. In addition the Wintec medal was presented to former chair of council, David Peart for his leadership of the institute when the land now used for Avalon campus was purchased.
"I believe the ground Wintec has made in creating winning combinations in the sector, with industry and in the community clearly signal a quality institute offering an outstanding student learning experience with a central location in the Waikato. The Wintec 2007 Annual Report can be viewed online at http://www.wintec.ac.nz/files/aboutus/reports/WintecAnnualReport2007pdf
Ends

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