The cloud was lifted off the Southland
Institute of Technology funding today when the Government
was forced to support SIT competing in Christchurch,
Clutha-Southland MP Bill English said.
Answering questions
in Parliament today from National Social Services Minister
Steve Maharey conceded he was 'not opposed' to SIT bringing
down polytech fees in Christchurch.
"It was ridiculous for
the Government to threaten SIT funding. SIT is very well run
and students all over the South Island should be allowed to
get the benefit of lower fees.
"Mr Maharey's earlier
threat to withdraw funding from SIT if it continued to
expand its business into Christchurch was an about face on
his pre-election campaigning of lowering students'
fees.
"Today Mr Maharey did a u-turn coming out in support
of SIT calling it 'wonderful' and 'innovative'. It is good
he has seen the light, especially given his own electorate
is home to Massey University which has expanded well beyond
Palmerston North to Wellington and Auckland," Mr English
said.
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