Govt intends SIT to have input and form of control

Here’s a baffling statistic for you. Between 2011 and 2017, amid an almost unprecedented skills shortage, the number of students in vocational training dropped by 23,000. That means we were training fewer builders than we needed – and during a building boom, no less – fewer nurses, fewer journalists, and so on. Some vocational training institutes and polytechnics went broke, and others went cap in hand to the government for a bailout. In short: the sector and system is in need of reform. This is why Education Minister Chris Hipkins is proposing ambitious reforms, from improving the vocational training funding system to bringing the various government-owned training institutes and polytechnics together as the ‘‘New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology’’ (a working title, by the way). It’s a neat idea. But there are very real concerns, especially in Southland. What will happen, for example, to the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)? Well, the short answer is, nothing is finalised. The long answer is that, as part of the proposed

Buta glittering exception like SIT doesn’t mean the rest of the sector isn’t in need of reform.

reforms, the government will protect the parts of the sector and system that work. That means ‘‘regional providers’’ will remain – the government isn’t shipping everyone off to Auckland – and regional leadership groups will help identify the needs of local communities and their economies. In other words, there is a future for SIT, and there is a future for community input and a form of community control. This is especially important in Southland. Yes, some polytechnics went bust and others were in need of a bailout, but what distinguishes SIT from those institutions is that it really is the sector leader. Its student enrolments are strong, its financial management and governance is sound, and it’s fees-free to boot. For this reason, know that this government is particularly fond of SIT. But a glittering exception like SIT doesn’t mean the rest of the sector isn’t in need of reform. It is. If we cannot train enough builders or nurses or journalists, it means we will increasingly rely on migrant labour to build our homes, staff our hospitals and retirement villages, and maintain our communications and media sector. This is fine in and of itself – there’s nothing wrong with migrant labour – but it’s not sustainable in the long run. This week I wrote to Chris Hipkins reaffirming the overwhelming community support for SIT and encouraging him to maintain close contact and consultation with the community. I will keep communicating with him as the reforms progress as well, especially from a Ma¯ ori perspective. I know SIT is important to tangata whenua as well, offering a place where we can learn and train ‘‘at home’’. Consultation on the proposed reforms will remain open until March 27, and I encourage anyone with a view to get in touch with me and I will continue to relay those views to the minister.