Otago Uni Moves Teacher Training to SIT

Otago University is moving its Invercargill teacher training to SIT.

Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson visited SIT on Monday to sign a statement of intent that will shift the College of Education from its Nelson Street site to the polytechnic's main campus in Tay Street at the end of 2026.

The partnership creates a framework for the institutions to share expertise, resources, facilities and teaching programmes. Robertson addressed SIT's management team at the signing, acknowledging staff who brought the partnership together.

"There are a lot of people who've worked extremely hard to get us to this point," Robertson said, recognising SIT's willingness to take on the idea.

"When the solution came forward it made sense firstly, because it allows us to continue what we are doing here, but it also made sense from my perspective, because the forging of partnership across the sector and the southern part of the South Island is going to be one of the most important things that we do as organisations over the next few years."

Robertson pointed to evolving education needs and strengthening collaboration, including discussions with Otago Polytechnic. "...once the might of that trio gets together there will be no stopping the southern part of the South Island; we see a great deal of potential for this kind of collaboration we're celebrating today."

SIT Chief Executive Bharat Guha described the move as momentous and looked forward to College of Education staff and students adding to campus vibrancy.

"We warmly welcome Otago University's College of Education staff and students to SIT's campus; you are not just changing locations; you're joining a community of likeminded staff and students, where there will be new opportunities to forge friendships and take advantage of new resources," Guha said.

Otago students will access campus facilities including the library, gym, café and student events. University staff get on-site parking.

SIT Chief Finance Officer Oscar Jenkins said the intention was for university students to integrate with SIT's student population.

"The students should feel integrated into SIT's student population, receiving the same day-to-day additional services SIT has to offer," Jenkins said.

University of Otago Director of Strategy, Analytics and Reporting David Thomson said operating within SIT would offer new opportunities for connection and collaboration.

"We believe this will be beneficial for staff and students alike. This timing is ideal both in terms of allowing time for the new space to be refurbished, and minimising disruption for staff and students," Thomson said.

All programmes remain University of Otago qualifications. "Our academic leadership, curriculum, qualifications, and staff remain with the University of Otago," Thomson said.

Refurbishment of the B-Block suite starts in semester two. Teacher education delivery from the new location begins in 2027.