The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union says the $33 million bailout of the Tai Poutini Polytechnic is a disgrace. Across five years, the polytech delivered education worth $21 million less than what it was paid to deliver.

Taxpayers Union spokesperson Louis Houlbrooke says, “Taxpayers have been defrauded. Meanwhile, the Government’s response has been not to collect what is owed, but to reward the bad behaviour – to the tune of $33 million!”

“If any private business failed to provide the services it was paid for, it would quickly go out of business.”

“The Minister has justified the bailout of the polytech based on its West Coast location. But at this stage it would be cheaper to simply pay relocation and board costs for the 350 students than to keep the institute on life support.”

“This polytech already received a $3.6 million bailout last year and received NZQA’s lowest ever rating for a public institution.”

“Minister Hipkins needs to seriously reconsider whether this polytech is still viable as a public institution, and how he can collect the debts owed to taxpayers.”

ENDS

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