Deep concerns over Ara’s operations

"We, the stakeholders, require transparency." Nigel Davenport, chief executive of Aoraki Development

Timaru’s tertiary provider will meet with key stakeholders this week over ‘‘deep concerns’’ about its South Canterbury operation.

Aoraki Development chief executive Nigel Davenport wrote to Ara Institute of Canterbury’s council on May 15 outlining his concerns about course reviews and declining staff and student numbers.

‘‘As one of the key stakeholders in the South Canterbury region we are deeply concerned over Ara’s operations in this area.’’

He said some stakeholders raised concerns with then Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce at the time the merger between CPIT and Aoraki Polytechnic was proposed, and ‘‘unfortunately many of these are now coming to fruition’’.

Ara chief executive Kay Giles and acting council chairwoman Janie Annear wrote back to Davenport, saying Ara remained committed to quality tertiary education in the region.

‘‘It appears that much of the discussion being held about Ara does not reflect the actual operations of the institution in the South Canterbury region,’’ they said.

Both letters have been included in the agenda for Tuesday’s Ara council meeting.

Earlier this month, Ara announced it was reviewing some of its Primary Industry courses, which are based in South Canterbury. Falling demand for lower level courses was driving the review, with focus shifting to the more popular higher level courses.

According to Davenport, one of Ara’s stated intentions both before, and during, the merger was ‘‘leveraging Aoraki Polytechnic’s existing comparative advantage in primary industries to create a Centre of Excellence at the Timaru campus/Washdyke Farm’’.

‘‘Given the recently stated ‘‘review’’ of the Washdyke Farm programmes (we understand from different sources that the farm closure is now a fait-accompli and likely to occur early/mid-June), stakeholders request a full discussion on this particular matter.’’

Giles and Annear said the review of the farm was a ‘‘complex exercise’’.

‘‘To label the future of the farm as a fait accompli fails to recognise the complexity of the factors involved in determining the most effective configuration of delivery facilities for South Canterbury. ‘‘No decisions have been taken to date and, with the lease on the farm running until into 2019, please be assured that the decision timetable will allow for a smooth transition to future arrangements should they be required.’’

Davenport also raised concerns about millions of dollars that were transferred to Ara when the merger took place.

‘‘We understand the reserves of approx. $22m held by Aoraki Polytech pre-merger were to be largely tagged ‘‘to support ongoing delivery in the Aoraki region and enhance delivery capability’’.

‘‘We, the stakeholders, require transparency on what has been done in this regard. Declining EFTS, regular staff resignations and course reviews would support the presumption that little or no local utilisation of these reserves has occurred.’’

Giles and Annear said while demand was changing, ‘‘there is little overall change in activity levels, and certainly nothing like that suggested in your correspondence’’.

‘‘Indications are overall activity in South Canterbury for 2017 will be at a similar level to previous years.’’

Davenport said a meeting between Ara and key stakeholders, including Aoraki Development, the Timaru District Council, and the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Friday.