Polytechnic acknowledges 2010 achievements

4 May 2011

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic released its 2010 Annual Report this week highlighting key achievements, initiatives and financials realised throughout the last calendar year. The Polytechnic achieved a surplus of $4.5 million, achieving the 3 - 5% surplus requirements set by the Tertiary Education Commission.

The 2010 Annual Report highlighted the continued focus for the Polytechnic in providing a dynamic learning experience, upgrading campus facilities, strengthening tertiary and industry partnerships as well as making a real difference in the local community.

Dr. Alan Hampton, Polytechnic Chief Executive, says “It is vital that as educators we challenge previous ways of doing things - including delivery, assessment and learning support - that is how we can release further innovation and creative thinking, focused on improving access to provision, successful completion and relevant outcomes of employment or further training.”

Further emphasising the quality of education at the tertiary institution, for a second year in a row a Polytechnic academic staff member received a prestigious Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award. Kelly Pender, Certificate in Fitness Programme Co-ordinator, was one of only ten 2010 national award winners.

Enhancing community wellbeing was behind a new move by the Polytechnic introducing a new house build programme for each of their three one-year Certificate in Carpentry classes. Students learnt construction skills by actually building a house. Two of the houses were auctioned off in support of local children’s charity, Homes of Hope.

In November the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Phil Heatley opened the Polytechnic’s new aquaculture laboratory, Ahumoana a Toi. Aquaculture is the fastest growing primary industry in the world with New Zealand’s exports expected to grow to $1 billion by 2025. “The research capability will be significantly enhanced and allow the polytechnic to be able to quickly respond to the aquaculture industry’s developing demands,” said Dr. Hampton.

The past year saw a range of key technological improvements on campus. “The construction and opening in 2010 of the new engineering block and automotive workshops was an example of the need to replace a predominantly 25 year old set of workshops. Students are now enjoying the benefits of these first class engineering, welding and automotive facilities” says Dr. Hampton.

The Titanium Industry Development Association (TiDA) opened its new state-of-the-art applied powder metallurgy centre at the Polytechnic’s new engineering facility. The Centre’s capability will help companies develop and test new titanium products. It contains latest technology available to provide materials analysis and testing, design and prototype new products, and prepare small-scale commercial production runs.

Student successes abounded in 2010 with several making their mark on the international sporting arena including 18 year old Alex Dive (studying NZ Diploma in Business) who captained the NZ Junior Surf Team at the ISA World competition, Sport and Recreations student Sam O’Dea who represented New Zealand at the U21 Beach Volleyball World Championships in Turkey and Electrical Engineering student Bradley Kendall who won the New Zealand Golf Strokeplay Championship.

Sarah Friis (studying Fashion Design) won the Westfield Style Pasifika Evening Wear section, Hospitality student Jacinda Massey was awarded two bronze medals at the Auckland Regional Culinary Fare and Sage McGregor, Hilary Pound and Ngareta Copeland were thrilled to be awarded first place in the Avant Garde section of the 2010 Regional Hair Design Awards.

“Our successes over the last year reflect the remarkable efforts and performance of our students and staff, providing us with further momentum and optimism to go into the future,” says Dr. Hampton.

ENDS