Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Bid to save Telford

Neal Wallace
Invercargill’s Southern Institute of Technology is preparing a lifeline for the Telford campus of the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, which was put into liquidation before Christmas.
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At a meeting at the South Otago campus today SIT agreed to prepare a proposal for Education Minister Chris Hipkins, in which it will become the education provider.

Telford Farm Board chairman Richard Farquhar hopes a deal can be secured in time for this academic year.

Information is being sought from Taratahi’s liquidator for a proposal to Hipkins, who, if he supports it, will then seek Cabinet approval.

Farquhar said there are still students who want to attend Telford and the fact SIT is prepared to investigate delivering education at the campus reflects support from the community, staff, SIT and the farm board.

“That is all going to be reflected for the minister,” he said.

Farquhar fears losing Telford means it will be difficult to resurrect.

The Taratahi board called in liquidators before Christmas after a rescue package to address a lack of financial viability, reduced student numbers and debt levels was rejected.

Clutha Southland MP Hamish Walker hopes Telford can be rescued but is questioning why the Government is not acting with more urgency because time is running out for students and staff. 

“Time is not on our side as the new school year is fast approaching and we need intervention now,” he said.

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