Mid-Year Intake For Future-focused Graduate Programme In Sustainable Practice
People studying to implement sustainable practice in their communities and workplaces will meet in Wanaka in late July,
as part of a Graduate Diploma offered by Otago Polytechnic’s Centre for Sustainable Practice.
12 students began the programme in January and demand for a mid-year intake means several more will join them for a
block course to be held in the town from 29 July – 2 Aug.
Programme director Steve Henry says confirmation of the intake means there are still places available for full and part
time students keen to learn how to apply a strategic framework for sustainable development to their project or business.
“The range of projects our students are working on is phenomenal,” says Henry. “The principles are being applied to
areas as diverse as community development, dairy farming, regenerative land management, permaculture, small business,
big business and architecture.”
Mr Henry says he’s delighted to oversee the growth in popularity of the future-focused programmes, which were first
offered by the Centre in 2011.
“It’s fantastic to see demand building for this highly useful qualification that offers real capability in a
rapidly-changing world. Our graduates are finding work in organisations such as EECA (Energy Efficiency Conservation
Authority) and Fonterra and many are applying their skills to existing businesses or starting their own. The principles
are applicable across the full spectrum of commercial, community and political activity.”
Fully integrated into modern technology, the graduate programme is offered online and is available anywhere in New
Zealand. Blended delivery means students attend up to three block courses a year – usually at the Centre’s premises in
Wanaka.
The Centre for Sustainable Practice is the newest school of Otago Polytechnic and offers Diplomas and Certificates in Sustainable Practice as well as a
series of business programmes and consultancy services. This latest intake means the school now has 57 students,
including 45 undergraduates in business, permaculture and certificate programmes across the country.
ENDS