Nelson needed some good news after the weeks of heavy rain and repeated states of emergency. It came with the announcement on Monday that the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) is to be re-established as a standalone polytechnic.
NMIT is one of the most successful polytechnics in NZ. It dates back to 1905 when it was founded as the Nelson Technical School on land provided by Council in Hardy Street. It evolved into the Nelson Polytechnic in 1971 and then NMIT in 2000.
Our polytechnic has excelled in areas such as nursing, commerce, art, fishing, aquaculture, aviation and viticulture. It had high student achievement, strong links to our unique industries and well-managed finances. It also attracted hundreds of overseas fee-paying students to Nelson that help our economy and add diversity to our city.
NMIT was disadvantaged with the mega merger of 16 polytechnics into Te Pūkenga in 2020. The centralisation was driven by the fact some polytechnics were in financial trouble and a distrust of regions being able to run their own affairs. The mega merger was unfair as NMIT was well governed and had strong finances. The extra bureaucracy of Te Pūkenga added costs and weakened industry links. Talented staff were lost in the turmoil. We also lost the opportunity to market Nelson’s unique advantages as a great place to study.
The new Government last year proposed dismantling Te Pūkenga – with some to become independent polytechnics and others to be grouped into a federation, run from Wellington. Our three councils, eight Te Tauihu iwi and four business organisations covering Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman have been making submissions and lobbying for NMIT to be independent. I must pay tribute to NMIT’s local manager, Olivia Hall, and her team who have worked hard to improve our case by containing costs, growing enrolments and making NMIT financially viable.
NMIT provides the only opportunity for many people to upskill and gain a tertiary qualification. It’s also important to business in that higher-skilled staff help grow productivity. NMIT can also help Council’s ambition to revitalise the city by attracting more students here to study. The Government’s positive decision is a win for Nelson.
