Tertiary Update Vol 15 No 39

Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) is planning to cut courses and staff after the government’s decision to strip tens of millions of dollars of foundation-level funding from regional polytechnics around New Zealand. Overall, EIT told staff it is losing approximately 320 equivalent full-time students at level 1 and level 2 with a reduction in revenue in excess of $2.3m following the government cuts.

The announcement follows a decision by the government earlier this year to put one-third of its level 1 and 2 student achievement funding up for tender – $38 million out of $115 million. When the minister announced the results of that tender process two-thirds of polytechnics had missed any funding at all, including EIT. Much of the money has gone instead to one of the wānanga and to private education companies.

Yesterday EIT told employees the equivalent of 12.9 full-time staff would lose their jobs from both the Napier and Tairawhiti campuses, and including both permanent and fixed term staff. Automotive and business school students and staff will be among those most affected.

The polytechnic also warned staff that there would probably be further cuts in the New Year which could be significantly deeper.

“We still do not have a clear picture of what is happening at EIT yet but it is clear that students are losing courses and staff are losing jobs because of this government funding cut,” said TEU national president Sandra Grey.

Also in Tertiary Update this week:

1. Gender pay gap grows
2. Open Polytechnic academics quick strike
3. Tertiary educators should lead new health and safety culture
4. Melbourne University speaks up for student and staff voice

Other news

Join TEU and many others for Gay Red Shirt Day tomorrow.  Wear your red shirt and help show the Prime Minister John Key and others that gay doesn’t mean “weird” or “stupid” and that homophobic language hurts.

UCOL has committed to working with the Whanganui District Council on approaches and models that look at how to provide sustainable tertiary education in Whanganui. A Taskforce will be urgently assembled between the two organisations to specifically progress the provision of fine arts and glass education in Whanganui in a way that supports Whanganui’s strength as a community with a strong art and glass focus – UCOL

NZUSA has reached an agreement with Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) chief executive Belinda Clark to ensure the student voice is not completely lost from the operations of the TEC and its board. “A limited opportunity to present to the TEC board will continue, although at a level far below the role of the non-voting learner participant position that was summarily disestablished without any forewarning last month,” – Pete Hodkinson, NZUSA president.

A new training scheme will prepare 900 new workers for the Christchurch rebuild, says Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee. The training would include six to 14 week courses for new entrants and on-the-job training for others – Stuff

In 2011 and 2012 the Human Rights Commission received a total of 70 sexual harassment complaints. Dr Judy McGregor, EEO commissioner says; “My experience is that women who face sexual harassment at a workplace may end up leaving the organisation.  I find it astounding that in 2012 sexual harassment is still a problem in New Zealand organisations given the huge amount of material available relating to prevention and safety.  I am mindful that the numbers who come to the Commission and other bodies, are only the tip of the iceberg. Every New Zealander should have zero tolerance to sexual harassment.” – NEON