News
SIT is back on its own two feet, and Southland's political leaders want to make sure everyone knows what that means for the region.
The Southern Institute of Technology regained its independence as a standalone institution, and for Tertiary Education Minister and Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds, that shift is more than an administrative change. Simmonds led SIT as chief executive from 1997 to 2020 before helping reshape the vocational education system nationally.
"It is great to see SIT back out on the national and world stage promoting our region as a safe and welcoming place to study, work and live," she said.
Simmonds said the institution had come through a difficult period and was now rebuilding. "… [SIT] is rebuilding its international presence, reconnecting with local industry and the wider community, and once again being able to focus on what it does best, delivering education and training that responds to the needs of Invercargill and Southland."
She said the ability to make decisions close to home would matter for local businesses. "Having a regional polytechnic with strong community ownership is extremely important, particularly for local businesses and industries. Knowing that the local polytechnic can be nimble, make decisions locally and adapt to the needs of the community will make a real difference in supporting the growth of Invercargill and Southland as a whole."
Simmonds said the community support SIT received through those years had stayed with her. "I think I am most proud of the level of community support that stood alongside SIT throughout those difficult years, and the way that support continued when SIT regained its independence."
One moment stood out above the rest. "Seeing Kelvin Street transformed into Graduation Lane as Southland celebrated the return of the Southern Institute of Technology to its community remains one of the highlights of my career. It was a very visible reminder of what SIT means to Southland. This was never about change for change's sake, it was about returning local decision-making, identity and ownership to an institution that has been built up and supported by this community over decades."
Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell put it plainly. "Over the past 25 years the wellbeing of Invercargill has become intimately tied to the wellbeing of SIT," he said. "The restoration of SIT independence is very good news for Invercargill."
Mayor Campbell said a strong SIT would be essential to building the workforce the city's future economy needs. "A flourishing SIT is essential to attract and develop the workforce qualified to work in those new businesses, or indeed to have the entrepreneurial energy start those up."
He said the institution had the right people in place. "SIT has a great leadership team with the ambition and energy to grow the organisation to become an ever more important part of our city's future. We look forward to continuing to work together to build that future."
SIT's programme offering is also expanding. Already launched in 2026 are the New Zealand Diploma in Strategic Leadership and the Master of Nursing Science. The Master of Applied Management has been refreshed to include contemporary papers and formal internship opportunities, subject to NZQA approval.
Awaiting NZQA approval are the Te Ata Māhina Bachelor of Social Work, New Zealand Diploma in Whānau Ora, Graduate Diploma in Applied Artificial Intelligence, and two micro-credentials in General English for Speakers of Other Languages at Levels 2 and 4.
Telford is adding three agriculture and wool qualifications, and SIT Online is introducing the New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety Practice.
Secondary school students will have more pathways from 2027, with additions to both CareerStart (formerly STAR) and Southland Tertiary Academy.
New CareerStart subjects:
- Aquaculture
- Plumbing
- Sport & Exercise
New Southland Tertiary Academy subjects:
- Architecture
- Aquaculture
- Integrated Trades Skills