The proposed merger between Lincoln University and Telford Rural Polytechnic has moved a step closer to reality. Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger Field says the primary driver for the proposed merger is to protect and develop land-based education and vocational training for the benefit of New Zealand.
 
“Both institutions recognise that an industry-based workforce of highly educated, skilled and technology-literate individuals is required to maintain and grow New Zealand’s global competitiveness in the land-based sectors,” he says.Telford Rural Polytechnic CEO Jonathan Walmisley agrees. “Together, it is possible we have the potential to generate more co-ordinated and integrated land-based education, in keeping with national education strategies and goals.”
 
(more…)

The Councils of Lincoln University and Telford Rural Polytechnic are exploring a future relationship that includes a proposal to merge the two institutions next year. This relationship supports a direction signalled by the Lincoln University Council to develop a model of strong collaboration in education and research to support land-based industries.

Lincoln University, New Zealand’s specialist land-based university, is shaping this model in line with two governmental intentions; to drive productivity growth and investment in the export sector and to give young people wider choices in education. This model is one of vertical integration to encompass all aspects of the agricultural and land-based sector provision and supply chain, from secondary school, sub-degree teaching to post-doctoral research, commercialisation and extension activities with industry.

(more…)