The Government has announced its support for the expansion of the AUT University Manukau Campus, providing for 4100 Equivalent Full Time Students (EFTS) over the next seven years.
The total value of the commitment is stated to be $90 million.
Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce made the announcement at a ceremony held at the Campus on July 12, 2013.
Passport to success
The expansion represents the second stage of the development of the Manukau Campus, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister John Key in 2010.
He described tertiary education as a passport for success in modern life.
“It is not just about skills, but the pride that graduates bring to their families. One family member enjoys success at university and the rest will follow. They become a role model for their family and community,” he said.
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) had earlier said that it would support the expansion programme of AUT in Manukau.
The expansion (from the current level of 940 EFTS) to account for 4100 EFTS by 2020 will play a key role in providing greater tertiary education options in the South Auckland region, Mr Joyce said.
“South Auckland is home to one of New Zealand’s fastest growing and most youthful populations. As the region’s population grows, so too does demand for greater access to tertiary education, and at higher levels,” he said.
Crucial step
He said that the expansion project will enable AUT to offer more degree-level and other programmes currently not available in South Auckland.
“One of the Government’s tertiary education priorities is lifting the achievement of Maori and Pasifika. AUT’s Manukau Campus is a proven success in raising participation for these students in tertiary education,” he said.
Mr Joyce said that AUT has already provided opportunities for the youth in general and Maori and Pasifika community in particular to seek higher education.
“This expansion is the next crucial step towards increasing student places to meet demand and helping students achieve at the highest levels. The tertiary education sector is a key driver of New Zealand’s innovation, productivity and growth. The expansion of the Manukau Campus will help us meet the demand for an innovative and skilled workforce. It fits well alongside the developments of MIT, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and private sector providers in the area,” he said.
He said that school qualifications alone were insufficient to compete in the employment market, especially for skilled jobs.
Skills for youth
“We need to lift provision in Auckland, and in particular in Manukau, as the growth in youth population is twice that of the national rate. Our goal is to ensure that at least 55% of all New Zealanders in the 25-34 age group obtain a tertiary education qualification. While there is much work to be done to achieve this objective, I am confident that ATU will contribute its share,” he said.
Maori Affairs Minister and Associate Education Minister Dr Pita Sharples said that Maori are the first to be laid off in tough times and the last to be re-employed.
“We know that is the result of an education gap. A one-size-fits-all approach to education does not work. We must provide choice for our Maori and Pacific students. AUT strives to provide this choice,” he said.
Dr Sharples said that AUT deserved the title, ‘University of the Changing World.’
Progress partner
Vice Chancellor Derek McCormack said that AUT has a part to play in increasing university access for all.
“AUT has increased student placements by 12,000 and last year alone celebrated 7000 graduates. We now have the ability to grow the Manukau campus student enrolments,” he said.
In December 2012, first batch of 200 students from AUT Manukau graduated, of which 50 obtained their postgraduate qualifications. The University has enrolled 750 students at its Manukau Campus this year, hoping to take at least 1000 students next year.
Photo : Derek McCormack speaks as John Key and Steven Joyce listen at the function
