Media release 24 June 2004

Update on planning for new tertiary institution in Manukau

A forum will be held in September this year to discuss the next steps towards establishing a tertiary education institution at Manukau City Centre. Tertiary education providers will have the opportunity at the forum to deliberate with the Tertiary Education Commission and the Manukau City Council.

No decision has yet been taken about what kind of institution is needed, but the Council has recognised the demand for such an institution in the future because of continuing growth in the city, with the population growing last year by 10,000. A recent Council report confirmed the need for a tertiary institution.

The report found education levels need to rise in Manukau and that existing educational options at tertiary level do not adequately serve the diverse needs of the community. Large numbers of teenagers leave secondary school each year without gaining qualifications and with no intention of moving into further study.

The Council has plans for intensifying development of Manukau City Centre including the provision of more apartments and further shopping and entertainment options. A new tertiary institution would complement those plans and the Council can help its establishment by providing land.

But in addition to improving the choice of educational options it would also have very positive economic spin offs. Research indicates that an institution with 1000 students would generate $15 million in economic activity annually. The 30,000 students studying at University of Auckland generate $3.1 billion economic activity in the region.

Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says he is a strong advocate for a further tertiary institution in the city. "I am certain it will happen. The question is whether it will be a full university, another polytech or another type of institution, and that must be a focus of the forum later this year."

ENDS

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