Minister Praises Telford as NZ Agricultural Training 'Jewel'

Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson toured the Telford agricultural campus last week to view ambitious revitalisation plans funded by a $2.4 million government grant.

The Minister for Rural Communities and Associate Minister of Agriculture visited on May 7 to meet with Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) management, Telford staff and the Telford Farm Board.

SIT received the funding from the Tertiary Education Commission for maintenance work that was deferred while operating under Te Pūkenga governance. The campus recently returned to standalone status alongside SIT.

The investment will fund roof replacements on accommodation buildings and general repairs across all campus structures. A major project involves completing upgrades to the historic stone building - the former Telford homestead built in 1869 - to house additional administration and teaching facilities.

Plans include adding prefabricated accommodation for 40 more students, increasing on-site beds from 104 to 144. The new accommodation will be built by SIT construction students in Invercargill and transported to the campus. Additional car parking is also planned.

SIT is investigating solar panel installation as part of sustainable energy options for the campus.

Head of Faculty Hamish Small said significant programme development was underway. "There are further blended and online delivery options being centralised and run by Telford to support those already in work," he said.

Development areas include specialist dairy qualifications and updating the current Wool Technology and Classing programme from Level 4 to Level 5. Primary industry micro-credentials are being explored with industry partners.

Small said Telford was entering a positive growth phase with strong support from industry, community and government.

"We offer a hands-on learning experience like no other, preparing the next generation for the challenges and rewards of the agricultural sector," he said. The SIT Zero Fees Scheme remains available to all domestic students.

"The Telford team are very grateful for the extra funding and are aware of the responsibility to ensure Telford's legacy continues to meet regional and national primary industry needs and expectations in agriculture vocational training and education," Small said.

Patterson praised the development plans during his campus visit. "Telford is the jewel of New Zealand Agricultural vocational training. It's very encouraging to see the campus on the front foot again with increasing student numbers and a plan to continue expansion," he said.

"There is high demand for the skilled students graduating from Telford into a primary sector offering unlimited opportunity. The government investment into upgrading the facilities can be read as a huge vote of confidence in Telford and its importance to New Zealand Agriculture."