A Taratahi spokeswoman confirmed it was in early discussions with Lincoln University about what role it might play in educating students at the university’s Telford campus near Balclutha.
SIT was also looking at whether it had a role in providing education on the south Otago training farm
Lincoln has confirmed in a letter to prospective parents that it was looking to exit the delivery of training at Telford, possibly before the start of next semester, but that raised questions and created uncertainty among parents.
The letter told students attending Telford because of “ongoing discussions with other education providers we cannot provide you with a definite decision as to what programmes will be offered at the Telford Campus in 2017.
“We will update you further as soon as outcomes from these proposed changes are known.”
One mother said her son had been accepted but the letter created uncertainty as to what he would be studying next year.
After buying tickets to attend a “taster week” at Telford in early December, she was told it had been cancelled because of low numbers.
Options included Taratahi taking over and educating all Telford’s students, working jointly with SIT to provide the education with Taratahi running the campus and SIT, Taratahi and Lincoln sharing teaching with Taratahi running the campus.
Lincoln Telford Division interim director Joan Grace said it was important to tell students and parents of the situation.
“Our message to the parents was that we are optimistic the Certificate of Agriculture will be offered but we can’t give a 100% assurance just yet.”
Part of the delay was in waiting for formal confirmation of funding from the Tertiary Education Commission but also to allow education providers to complete due diligence on taking over the Telford campus.
“We’re optimistic. It’s a valued programme in the industry but it needs to stack up from a business perspective.”
Grace said enrolments were ahead of those at the comparable time last year.
The Taratahi spokeswoman said she was aware of the industry’s need for trained students and the role the two educational institutions had in providing future farmers.
“We are in what could only be described as very early discussions about what role Taratahi could play in Telford’s future.
“However, we are mindful of the need to do what we can to support primary sector industry training.”
Taratahi and Telford played key roles in providing farm training using a model that was highly regarded in the industry.
“Taratahi will consider any opportunities which will strengthen its move into being a national organisation but we need to be assured that we can find a sustainable solution that benefits everyone,” she said.
