Wintec has back tracked on plans to close several of its courses and lay off staff following a public outcry from the arts community and the regions.
Wintec is a business division of Te Pūkenga, the super polytechnic which has been working under government orders on a financial improvement plan and its own disestablishment.
A review and then consultation in the Hamilton-based tertiary institution’s School of Media Arts has resulted in a stay of execution for bachelor programmes in Communications, Music and Performing Arts and diplomas in Communications and Journalism.
See: Wintec cuts planned
Wintec is a business division of Te Pūkenga, the super polytechnic which has been working under government orders on a financial improvement plan and its own disestablishment.
Wintec lost $19.4 million last year. A recent report from a team of advisers brought in by the government predicted the Te Pūkenga loss next year would be $96.3 million.
Teaching and Learning executive director Shelley Wilson said Wintec’s original proposal to cut the programmes and diplomas from next year’s programmes was not made lightly.
“We have never had any doubt of the value of the arts and of these programmes,” she said in a statement to The News.
“While it was unfortunate that the financial status of these programmes necessitated this review process, it has been positive to see the passion and commitment of our kaimahi (staff) that helped us reach a positive and financially viable solution for these programmes.”
Aerial shot of Wintec House, taken in the 1930s. Fraser High School later relocated to Ellicott Road, Nawton, in 1970, where it remains today. The school was named after Whampoa Fraser, who served as Principal of Hamilton Technical College from 1925 to 1949, guiding its growth during its formative years. Photo: Supplied.
The News broke the story online last month that staff and students at the century-old polytechnic had been told jobs and courses would have to go to make it financially viable.
News of the proposal rippled through the Waikato and King Country and particularly in towns like Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Morrinsville, Matamata, Tokoroa, Putāruru, Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga who viewed Wintec as their polytechnic and not just a Hamilton facility.
What irked some staff was they were told their jobs and programmes might be gone on the day Wintec celebrated its 100th anniversary with events in Hamilton.
Wintec said it was never its intent to have the two happen on the same time but was unavoidable as some staff were unavailable until then.
Wintec House, taken 1930s. Photo: Supplied
Sources told The News it had been a stressful time for tutors and the students who were told their preferred 2025 studies might not go ahead.
There were still some job losses – six instead of the planned 18, sources say – Wintec did not confirm the number in time for The News’ deadline.
“It has also been great to see the depth of feeling coming from our industry partners, stakeholders and wider creative community,” Wilson said.
Students who had expressed an interest in the programmes and diplomas are being contacted and encouraged to reapply.
“Wintec remains committed to delivering high quality education and training to its ākonga (students) and supporting the communities and industries we serve. We will be continuing with our journey to achieve financial sustainability in 2025,” Wilson said.
Union officials did not respond to The News in time for its deadline but the Tertiary Education Union and Allied Staff Association’s last month both called the change proposals short sighted.
Wintec should have waited for major change initiatives from Tertiary Education minister Penny Simmonds and the government before making major decisions, they said.
Wintec celebrated its centenary on November 1 .
