NorthTec to the rescue

NorthTec is offering to help Taratahi students continue their courses after the agricultural training school was put into interim liquidation last month.

The move, which followed a reduction in funding due to financial and operational pressures caused by declining student numbers, left 250 staff and thousands of students in limbo.

Taratahi has non-resident campuses in Whanga¯rei and Mangonui, but the interim liquidators were unable to say how many staff it employed in Northland, or how many students were currently enrolled.

Education providers in New Zealand offering agricultural training, such as NorthTec, have been made aware of the situation at Taratahi.

NorthTec spokesman Phil AlexanderCrawford said potential students in Northland who had planned to study with Taratahi could contact NorthTec on 0800 162-100 to discuss training options.

“At this stage we are unsure how many people are affected in this region, but we aim to assist students to continue their training wherever possible,” he said.

NorthTec offers Level 3 courses in the Certificate in Agriculture and Fencing, and Level 5 in the Diploma in Agribusiness Management.

The Tertiary Education Commission has undertaken to work alongside Taratahi, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and StudyLink to ensure affected students are supported through alternative study options

Taratahi’s assets, and those it manages on behalf of others, worth more than $100 million, include 2000 sheep, beef and deer stock units. It also milks 2000 cows.

Meanwhile there are concerns in some quarters that Taratahi’s closure could lead to a shortage of farm workers, which could lead to demands for higher wages on Northland farms.