6. Hon MARYAN STREET (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Tertiary Education
What consultation did she undertake in preparation for the Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) Link to this
The Minister met with representatives of Institutes of Technology and Polytechs of New Zealand, and representatives of the Metropolitan Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics group. The Minister has also had discussions with individual polytechnic chief executives, chairs, and councils.
Hon Maryan Street Link to this
Did the Minister consider approaching the Eastern Institute of Technology, as a well-run polytech that has never been in difficulty, for advice on how a well-run institution manages and whether a cut in council numbers was desirable; if not, why not?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
The Minister has consulted widely on this matter and made determinations that are reflected in the current Government position.
Allan PeacheyWhat reports has the Minister received of members of Parliament seeking to interfere with the decisions of tertiary education institutions?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
The Minister has seen a report about the intended building upgrade at Aoraki Polytechnic in Timaru. The report says that one member of Parliament has stated “she would visit Aoraki Polytech next month and would then decide if the upgrade was necessary.” That member of Parliament is Maryan Street. It is not currently possible for the Minister for Tertiary Education to intervene in this way. It is clearly Labour policy that Maryan Street should be able to intervene in this way.
Hon Maryan Street Link to this
Would the Minister, even now, consider consulting model polytechnics about their recipe for success; and if the presence of more representative groups on councils is desirable, in their experience, would she consider amending her legislation accordingly?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
The bill is currently before a select committee. The Minister will, of course, be interested in submissions to that select committee.
Hon Maryan Street Link to this
Is the Minister saying by that answer, which was a bit indeterminate, that it does not matter what submitters to the Education and Science Committee say about representation on polytechnic councils because she will not be listening to any views that differ from her own?
Hon Maryan Street Link to this
I seek leave to table a letter from Robert Anderson of Hastings, who is a member of the Eastern Institute of Technology council, published in the Dominion Post this morning, saying that the Minister does not want to talk to successful councils.
Mr SPEAKER