Polytech given boost

West Coast-based Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP) has received a $3.6 million funding boost to keep its tertiary programme running, including its digger school in Invercargill.

While the main campus is based in Greymouth, there are a number of smaller campuses spread throughout the rest of the country.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment minister Paul Goldsmith announced TPP would get a shortterm capital injection of $3.6 million from the Crown.

The funding, which is being provided on the understanding that all or part will be repaid to the Crown in the future, will ensure the Polytechnic can continue to operate and meet its financial commitments in the shortterm.

TPP chairman Andrew Robb said the funding would help ensure the delivery of tertiary education on the West Coast while future planning is put in place.

‘‘We welcome the Crown funding support, which acknowledges the work that has been under way since Crown Manager Murray Strong was appointed in December last year to assist in addressing the financial and strategic challenges facing TPP.

‘‘We have been making good progress on our work to create a viable and sustainable business model that ensures access to tertiary education and vocational training on the West Coast.

Robb said both the council and TPP’s management team have been working with the Crown Manager to develop a new business model for tertiary education and vocational training on the West Coast.

TPP chief executive Alex Cabrera said: ‘‘While the Government has made a clear commitment to the continued delivery of training on the West Coast, the work under way will consider all of the Polytechnic’s operations at campuses around the country.’’