Are plans for a mega-polytech in serious trouble?
Are the governments plans for a mega-polytech in serious trouble? Te Pukenga - or the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology - is supposed to be up and running by the January 1 2023, bringing together the all of the country's polytechnics, institutes of technology and Industry Training Organisations. But the entity is facing a deficit of up to $110 million, $53.5 million more than budgeted, partly due to lower enrolments. The Chief Executive is on unexplained leave, an acting CE is in place, and last week the Chairperson extended an apology to all staff for not listening and not appreciating their expertise. The Education Minister Chris Hipkins says he's made it clear to Te Pukenga that the projected deficit is too high and wants an urgent update on how it is triming costs and creating further efficiencies. Kathryn speaks with the President of the Tertiary Education Union, Tina Smith.
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Are the governments plans for a mega-polytech in serious trouble? Te Pukenga - or the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology - is supposed to be up and running by the January 1 2023, bringing together the all of the country's polytechnics, institutes of technology and Industry Training Organisations. But the entity is facing a deficit of up to $110 million, $53.5 million more than budgeted, partly due to lower enrolments. The Chief Executive is on unexplained leave, an acting CE is in place, and last week the Chairperson extended an apology to all staff for not listening and not appreciating their expertise. The Education Minister Chris Hipkins says he's made it clear to Te Pukenga that the projected deficit is too high and wants an urgent update on how it is triming costs and creating further efficiencies. Kathryn speaks with the President of the Tertiary Education Union, Tina Smith
