HERDSA: NZ Technical Institutes

[Coral Watson]

Lyn Murphy of Manukau Institute Of Technology posts this request for
information. Reply to her 
lmurphy@mit.manukau.ac.nz

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I am interested in this forum's comments  on the future function of 
Technical Institutes within New Zealand.

As many of you will be aware Technical Institutes (established in 
the 1950's to provide technical training for mainly apprentices) have 
undertaken major changes in recent years. Many of these changes are 
the result of external environmental forces. Technical Institutes 
are finding their traditional student basis being eroded with many 
of their lower level courses being taught within secondary schools 
and also being offered by private training providers. At the upper 
level Technical Institute Degrees are struggling to gain recognition 
in the wider community. Many technical institutes are small and their 
long term viability has been questioned in the recent NZ Govt 
education white paper. 

The question has to be asked what viable role 
can these institutions play in education in New Zealands future? Your 
thoughts on this issue will be welcomed. 

Lyn Murphy
Manukau Business School
Manukau Institute Of Technology
Private Bag 94006
Manukau 
New Zealand

Ph 0064-9-274-6009
Fax 0064-9-273-0707
email lmurphy@manukau.ac.nz