Polytechnic Business Recovery Proposal

Polytechnic Business Recovery Proposal

Today, members of the Otago Polytechnic Students Association met with Acting CEO, Dr. Robin Day and Council Chairperson, Graeme Crombie to discuss Otago Polytechnic's proposed Business Recovery Plan.

OPSA President Michelle Watt summed up the proposal as "containing lots of numbers, with no mention of the people whom it potentially affects."

Ms. Watt took the opportunity to reassure students that the consultation process will not affect the delivery of courses. "We want to assure our students that they can approach us with any concerns."

OPSA acknowledges that some difficult decisions must be made to ensure that Otago Polytechnic continues to deliver quality education to its students. "We do, however regard it as disgraceful that regrettable decisions by management should contribute to such uncertainty with regard to the livelihoods of so many staff and students," said Ms. Watt.

"We will be meeting with the staff unions and reviewing the proposal. There are a number of areas that we find unsettling and will be preparing a submission in that regard," said Ms. Watt.

A proposal to disestablish senior management positions was met with approval by student Brooke Lawton. "There is an outstanding issue of accountability at Otago Polytechnic, and this has resulted in a great deal of mistrust toward management."

"This situation highlights the need for a serious review of the government's approach to the governance and funding of tertiary institutions," said Ms. Watt.

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