Telford Campus Gets $2.4m Upgrade

Agricultural training in the South took a major step forward today, with the commencement of the Southern Institute of Technology's Telford campus refurbishment, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says.

"Today marks the beginning of the $2.4 million campus refurbishment and the start of even more positive change for rural education.

"I see this project as an important step forward in the rejuvenation of agricultural training across Southland and Otago, through increased capacity and improved facilities.

"This upgrade aligns with the campus's broader revitalisation, which includes the return of SIT's zero fees scheme for agricultural courses and the restoration of localised regional decision-making to SIT.

"Prefabricated accommodation is being added to host 40 more students, increasing the total capacity from 104 to 144 beds.

"It's wonderful that the new units are being constructed by Level 3 SIT Construction students in Invercargill and transported to the campus.

"The project also covers widespread roof replacements on existing student accommodation and general repair work across all campus facilities.

"There was a blessing today and a raising of the Telford flag, marking the start of this important project.

"The funding was provided via a grant from the Tertiary Education Commission," Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds said.