NorthTec U-turn a win for Northland.

After six months of lobbying, campaigning and public pressure by members and staff of Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union, Tai Tokerau Wānanga | NorthTec have withdrawn a proposal to discontinue eleven programmes across Primary Industries and Forestry.

In an email to impacted staff yesterday afternoon, NorthTec Operations Lead Derek Slatter said “the leadership team shares a common goal with staff: to try to retain our provision in Te Tai Tokerau. We are united in our commitment to this kaupapa and have actively sought additional funding from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to support this aim. We are currently awaiting the outcome of that request.”

“In light of this and its potential impact on the proposal as it stands, we have made the decision to withdraw the current programme proposal until we have greater certainty around future funding. This step reflects our desire to explore options that are both financially viable and responsive to the needs of our region and our people.”

TEU was highly critical of the proposal back in early March, soon after it had been tabled. Kaiwhakahaere | Organiser Jill Jones said at the time “Northland’s economy is dominated by primary industries. If these changes proceed, employers in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture will struggle to find local skilled workers, forcing them to either hire from outside the region or rely on untrained labour.”

“In addition, many students in Northland, particularly Māori and Pasifika, face barriers to accessing education, such as limited transport options and financial constraints. Cutting these programmes will reduce learning opportunities for those in rural areas who may not be able to relocate for study.”

Te Pou Ahurei Takirua – Ahumahi | Assistant National Secretary – Industrial, Daniel Benson-Guiu says “this outcome has not come about by osmosis. Since March, TEU has campaigned hard in Northland, rallying local MPs, local media, local government, the wider community and our members. We have had countless lobbying meetings, gathered over a thousand signatures on our ‘Save NorthTec” petition and enlisted Iwi and local businesses in the cause.”

“This is not the end goal however. It will only be a temporary reprieve if we don’t continue the pressure and fight hard for the funding NorthTec needs to continue its crucial work training Northland’s future workforce.”