14-07-2025
Otago Polytechnic To Stand Alone But Deep Concerns Over Federation
Otago Polytechnic is welcoming aspects of this afternoon's announcement by the Minister for Vocational Education, Penny Simmonds, that our organisation will be able to stand alone again from 1 January 2026. [Government media release]
However, we are deeply disappointed to see that we have been included as part of a federation model.
We believe we are in a similar financial position as other ITPs (polytechnics), and have a clear pathway towards financial viability from 2026.
Otago Polytechnic currently boasts one of the highest learner completion rates in the polytechnic sector (source: TEC survey), and we are concerned that the federation model would dilute this offering and impact our organisation's proud reputation and future success.
The federation model risks undermining our learner success rates and the quality of teaching at Otago Polytechnic, and ultimately risks undermining our independence and future viability as a regional institution.
We are still seeking further clarification around the Minister's announcement that the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand will be the anchor polytechnic of the new federation, which includes Otago Polytechnic and UCOL, so we can understand the impacts for us in terms of local governance and our programme and service provision.
Ultimately, we will pursue a path towards independence, and would welcome the support of the government and our local community to get there.
We believe choosing this decision would give us the opportunity to become a strong, independent and sustainable organisation that contributes to a responsive and thriving vocational education sector across Aotearoa.
Standing alone would mean the autonomy to make our own decisions and the ability to respond to the needs and aspirations of our ākonga (students), our kaimahi (staff), our local communities and employers.
It would also provide us with an enhanced ability to innovate and shape our own future, and to be able to make a stronger contribution to Dunedin's brand as New Zealand's premier education destination.
I have thanked kaimahi for their dedication and hard work to get us to this point. Our organisation has been through many challenging and uncertain times, but our kaimahi have continued to deliver the exceptional education and outstanding ākonga experience we're renowned for.
However, I've acknowledged there will be more challenges to come as we continue working towards the financial viability and long-term sustainability of Otago Polytechnic. We will continue to review programmes and staffing levels on an ongoing basis to ensure we can continue to be self-sustainable.
An Advisory Group is being established, and we expect a larger governing body to be put in place to oversee the transition.
We plan to prioritise engagement with kaimahi, ākonga, mana whenua, Pasifika communities and other community partners and stakeholders throughout this process.
