Telford Campus Transfer A Positive Outcome
Business news is presented by
A positive solution for Telford is one step closer with discussions between Lincoln University and Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre progressing well, Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay says.
Lincoln University and Taratahi, with the support of the Telford Farm Board, have signed a statement of intent to transfer Telford education operations, including staff, to Taratahi, while enrolments for Telford courses in 2017 also open today as Lincoln remains committed to ensuring teaching obligations to its students are met.
“Telford is a strong institution dedicated to supporting the land-based sector and the hands-on, practical nature of the training that they offer is a critical part of an industry that already has a skill shortage,” Mr Barclay says.
“The best option for Telford is for another provider to take over course delivery and I want to thank Taratahi and the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) for being part of this process to find ways that Telford can not only survive but flourish in the future.”
In November, Mr Barclay facilitated local discussions with key stakeholders to develop solutions to ensure Telford’s survival and future success.
“At the meeting, there was unanimous recognition that Telford’s learning programmes were highly valued by the industry and should be preserved and I’m thrilled that an agreement is close to being formalised with Taratahi,” Mr Barclay says.
“I believe a transfer could result in Telford becoming a stronger entity than it ever was under Lincoln.
“There has been a huge amount of work go in to ensure that a positive solution for Telford is developed. I’d like to thank SIT for their involvement – and it’d be great to see them play a role in the future delivery of Telford courses, particularly online.
“I’m also looking forward to the ongoing engagement around funding after issues have been raised throughout this process.
“Telford is an important part of a network of agricultural learning in New Zealand, supporting the land-based sector. It is also a significant asset for the Balclutha, and wider Otago, community.”
Taratahi is one of New Zealand’s leading agricultural training providers, operating very similar vocational agricultural education and training programmes to Telford across New Zealand, with its headquarters in the Wairarapa.