Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Polytechnic funding cuts may not heal
Polytechnic funding cuts may not heal
Students are concerned at the future of courses at their Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) as Government funding cuts continue to bite.
Millions of dollars have been stripped out of the polytechnic sector over the past few years. While the Budget a small boost in funded places, other cuts mean that the sector will receive about $20 million per year less from 2011, and some institutions will be worse hit than others.
“Students and society looked to the Budget to deliver relief from Government underfunding for the tertiary sector. Instead, this Government’s Budgets have continued a depressing pattern,” said NZUSA Co-President David Do.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain quality and fair access to education due to continuous Government underfunding. The high number of reviews and job losses the sector is experiencing will inevitably mean some courses will be cut, and the staff:student ratio will increase. This will detrimentally impact on the quality of education that polytechnic students receive,” said Do.
"All students deserve the opportunity to access education, but Government underfunding is putting this at risk. Particularly worrying is the fact that small polytechnics in isolated areas will struggle in the long-term. Students would want to see enhanced access to higher education in all regions, and would be very concerned at any reductions or limitations that may result," says Do.
“If New Zealand really wants to ensure we have a more skilled population and a stronger recovery, we should not be constraining the ability of ITPs to fully deliver on building skills across the workforce, or for students to access the skills they need,” concludes Do.
NZUSA is the national representative body for tertiary students and has been advocating on student issues since 1929.
ENDS
NZUSA - New Zealand Union of Students' Associations
We stand for opportunity, for all.
NZUSA is the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations, the national body that represents New Zealand's students' associations and the interests of New Zealand's 400,000 students at universities, polytechnics and in trades training.
We conduct original research, advocate to Government and through the media, and support New Zealand's students' associations to be more effective on behalf of their members. We advocate alongside Te Mana Akonga – The National Māori Students' Association, and Tertiary Women New Zealand – The NZUSA Women's Caucus.
Since 1929, we've believed in a society rich in opportunity, where anyone from anywhere can become any thing. We support accessible, affordable quality public tertiary education.
Emirates Team NZ: Emirates Team New Zealand Ranked #5 In Global Sports Technology Power List
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited: Discover The Treasures Of Tāmaki Makaurau - Making Māori Tourism Accessible To All
International Writers' Workshop NZ Inc: Ōtepoti Poets Top The Kathleen Grattan Prize For A Sequence Of Poems
NZ Amateur Sport Association: 22 Amendments Proposed For 2022 Act Lodged On 22 November
Auckland University of Technology: Reading Helps Children Face A Difficult Future
PATHA: Puberty Blocker Evidence Brief Affirms Aotearoa’s Approach