Commissioner to help Unitec financial woes

Unitec Institute of Technology in Auckland has had a commissioner appointed to address its financial difficulties.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced yesterday that he was dissolving the Unitec Council and appointing Murray Strong as commissioner due to the institute’s need for urgent and significant financial support.

Hipkins said Unitec faced a shortfall of about $19 million this year, and $27m in 2019, if no changes were made: “I believe that a commissioner is needed to ensure both the Tertiary Education Commission and I have the oversight we need.”

Strong is also the Governmentappointed Crown manager at Tai Poutini Polytechnic on the South Island’s West Coast.

“Murray Strong is extremely experienced in working with tertiary organisations. As well as his role with Tai Poutini Polytechnic, he was the Commissioner appointed to the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki when it needed one in 2006,” Hipkins said.

“His experience will be crucial to turning around Unitec’s financial situation and putting it on a sustainable path.”

Strong will initially be supported by an independent financial adviser, already in place. An advisory group will be appointed by Hipkins once the commissioner identifies the skills and experience needed to support him.

“Our message for students at this time is that the Government is committed to ensuring top quality vocational education and training is available at Unitec now and in the future,” Hipkins said.