Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s (TPP) Music and Audio Institute of NZ (MAINZ) will transfer to the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) early next year.

In late November, Greymouth-based Tai Poutini Polytechnic was required to appoint another institution, Invercargill’s Southern Institute of Technology, to moderate its assessments after the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) gave it a category 4 ranking – the lowest ever received by a public institution. 

Discussions regarding a transfer of ownership are still underway between the two polytechnics, with staff and union consultation completed.

TPP Chief Executive Alex Cabrera says the transfer is in the best interests of students, staff, and the West Coast.

“We are reviewing all our activity to ensure we are doing the right things – including whether we are the right organisation to be delivering some of our programmes. …There are other industries more relevant to the West Coast that we need to focus on.”

Mr Cabrera says SIT is well placed to take over MAINZ.

“It has similar programmes already, SIT already has campuses in Christchurch and Auckland (where MAINZ is based), and it is a long-established, high-quality provider with a strong track record.”

MAINZ staff will receive offers of employment from SIT over the next few days. Once accepted, they will transfer to SIT.

Students already enrolled with MAINZ will have their enrolment transferred to SIT automatically. Those signing up for MAINZ courses in 2018 will be enrolled with SIT. Students will not notice any day to day differences.

The transfer will officially happen on January 31 2018, however, TPP and SIT will continue to work together for as long as is required to ensure a smooth handover.