Future of Telford still under negotiation
A DECISION on the future of Telford has been delayed as the negotiations between Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre and Lincoln University continue.
After Lincoln University pulled support from Telford last year, a ‘‘statement of intent’’ was signed between Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre and Lincoln for the provision of the transfer of operations at Telford to Taratahi.
A decision on Telford’s future and potential takeover was originally anticipated on Monday.
However, Telford Farm Board chairman Murray Pilgrim said the decision was likely to be delayed for at least a week.
He understood there were ongoing negotiations between the institutions and the Government.
‘‘They’ve just got a lot of hoops to jump through to satisfy a whole lot of people first.’’
Mr Pilgrim had not met officials for about three weeks.
‘‘It’s pretty much gone quiet and we’re treating everything as business as usual.’’
CluthaSouthland MP Todd Barclay was involved with some negotiations.
He said discussions between Taratahi and Lincoln had been ongoing for the past few months.
There was strong support from the Telford Farm Board which wanted to ensure assets were retained by the board.
From his understanding, the discussions were moving forward positively.
‘‘I’d be surprised if everything went off the rails in the last few weeks,’’ Mr Barclay said.
A Lincoln University spokeswoman confirmed the decision was no longer expected next week and was investigating what caused the delay.
She believed an announcement on the outcome would be made in a joint statement between the two education providers.
The spokeswoman was unsure when a decision and a public announcement would be made.
She was still trying to ascertain the information.
samuel.white@odt.co.nz
❛ They’ve just got a lot of hoops to jump through to
satisfy a whole lot of people first❜