Venkat Raman
Hundreds of students of the Best Pacific Institute of Education are reportedly worried about their future as they struggle to find an alternate institution to pursue their study.
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has announced that the Best Pacific Institution has closed, following its decision not to fund the Institute in 2018.
Among the concerns of the TEC was the Institute’s financial stability and ability to provide programmes to students.
“Hopefully, students have taken the chance to consider their future study options. If not, there is more information on our website about the alternative providers available in South and West Auckland, offering comparable courses,” a TEC notification said.
Alternative Institutes
It said that the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), Skills Update Training Institute, New Zealand School of Education and Advance Training Centre are discussing ongoing study requirements and are continuing to hold meetings for former students of the Best Institute.
The Institute had about 700 students on its rolls.
The Stuff quoted TEC as saying that while Best had previously delivered training to many people needing it in a critically important area over a long period of time, the education needs of the community changed and Best was not able to adapt these changes.
“To ensure that we manage taxpayer funds responsibly, the TEC informed Best that we would not fund it in 2018 as we could not accept it would be financially sustainable or capable of delivering learning programmes to students,” the TEC said.
Courses offered
The Best Institute offered training from Level 1 foundation-type courses through to degree level in its premises in West and South Auckland.
The Stuff also quoted MIT Deputy Chief Executive (Pacifika) Peseta Sam Lotu-liga as saying that there is a range of qualifications from business and trade to performing arts to which students of the Best Institute can be transferred.
“MIT is confident that it can accommodate all of the former Best students within its 2018 intake. If new staff are needed, former Best employees can apply; however, the usual, open recruitment process including other candidates would be run as required under the New Zealand Law,” he said.
