The university’s Invercargill-based teacher education programmes will soon have a new home at SIT; the College of Education Invercargill operation moves from their current Nelson Street site to SIT’s main campus in Tay Street at the end of the academic year.
The statement of intent creates a framework for both institutions to work together in areas that could include sharing expertise, resources, facilities, technology or teaching programmes. Mr Robertson addressed SIT’s management team at the signing, acknowledging the staff who had helped bring the partnership together. “There are a lot of people who’ve worked extremely hard to get us to this point,” he said, also recognising SIT’s willingness to take on the idea.
“When the solution came forward it made sense firstly, because it allows us to continue what we are doing here, but it also made sense from my perspective, because the forging of partnership across the sector and the southern part of the South Island is going to be one of the most important things that we do as organisations over the next few years.”
Mr Robertson also pointed to the evolving nature of education and the need to strengthen collaboration, including discussions with Otago Polytechnic. “…once the might of that trio gets together there will be no stopping the southern part of the South Island; we see a great deal of potential for this kind of collaboration we're celebrating today.”
SIT Chief Executive, Bharat Guha described the move as momentous and was looking forward to the College of Education staff and students adding to the vibrancy and diversity of the campus and highlighted the strength of SIT’s Student Support Services, and the committed staff who would look after the new group of students.
“We warmly welcome Otago University’s College of Education staff and students to SIT’s campus; you are not just changing locations; you’re joining a community of likeminded staff and students, where there will be new opportunities to forge friendships and take advantage of new resources.”
SIT Chief Finance Officer, Oscar Jenkins, said the new student group will be able to interact with the SIT site in the same way as SIT’s student base.
“The intention is for UO students to have access to campus facilities and activities, including the library, gym, café, student events, student groups, and wider campus opportunities. These facilities will complement the services and support that students already receive through the University of Otago, which will continue as normal. The same applies to university staff, who will have access to on-site car parking and more.”
“The students should feel integrated into SIT’s student population, receiving the same day-to-day additional services SIT has to offer.”
University of Otago Director of Strategy, Analytics and Reporting David Thomson said operating within the SIT environment will offer new opportunities for connection, collaboration, and support across both institutions.
“We believe this will be beneficial for staff and students alike. This timing is ideal both in terms of allowing time for the new space to be refurbished, and minimising disruption for staff and students.”
And while the College of Education will be operating within the SIT campus, Mr Thomson stated all programmes will continue to be University of Otago programmes. “Our academic leadership, curriculum, qualifications, and staff remain with the University of Otago,” he said.
The refurbishment of the B-Block suite is due to start in semester two; university staff will move to SIT’s campus at the end of the 2026 academic year, and teacher education delivery from their new location will commence at the start of the 2027 academic year.