Vocational Education Reforms – Ensuring a student focus

Yesterday Minister Chris Hipkins revealed the government’s vision for Vocational Education with a number of proposed changes being identified, that will impact on New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITP’s). Despite the reveal yesterday there is still not a lot of detail surrounding what these changes will look like, or how they will be implemented. This is partly due to the consultation period which is running until 27th March 2019. We will continue to keep you updated during the consultation period.

We note that the reveal lacked any information surrounding student associations, and how they would ensure that the student voice continues to be heard under this new structure. We would like to reassure you all that SANITI is continuing as per usual with full service provision for 2019. We remain present and available to all NMIT student, and will continue to advocate on your behalf. If you are experiencing additional stresses or pressure, please come and see one of the staff.

SANITI would like to invite you all to an exciting orientation week starting on the 25th February, and look forward to seeing you all there!

The government expressed their intent to have input from the ITP’s as well as the community, and students. With our main focus being students, the association would like to welcome all students to share your views surrounding the changes. Dates will be announced for the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) visit to our campus, and we invite everyone to attend.

In the meantime, SANITI will be holding two sessions in which students are invited to come and share your opinions with the Student President and team. We will collate and take all of this through the feedback lines, as well as advocating for you all when the TEC visits our region.

SANITI feedback and support session dates:

Thursday 7th March 12-1pm and Tuesday 12th March 12-1pm in the Kowhai Lounge. Marlborough campus date and location to be confirmed.

For those who do not feel comfortable expressing opinions and views publicly, or unable to attend, feel free to email the Student President directly at president@saniti.co.nz and I will ensure your voice is heard regardless.

SANITI looks forward to an amazing 2019 full challenges and opportunities. We are committed to providing all students with an awesome experience and look forward meeting you all.

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