13 Aug 2007

Whitireia Polytechnic in NZ hopes to extend cooperation with Pacific

6:19 am on 13 August 2007

Whitireia Polytechnic in Porirua is hoping to export its successful education relationship with Tonga's Tupou Tertiary Institute to other parts of the Pacific.

The Tupou Tertiary Institute offers its students Whitireia papers in car mechanics, carpentry and business studies.

The CEO of Whitireia Polytech, Don Campbell, says he recently attended a graduation ceremony in Tonga, where there were over 100 graduates with either a certificate or diploma, and five students graduated with a degree.

Mr Campbell says Whitireia also offers some papers in the Cook Islands, and its looking to expand the programme to other parts of the Pacific.

"Samoa, Niue is another country, we are just exploring this within the Pacific , we are exploring that notion and seeing where we can go with it as an institution."