Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson (right) and Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Chief Executive Bharat Guha met to sign a Statement of Intent at SIT's main Invercargill campus.
The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka and the Southern Institute of Technology have signed a Statement of Intent, paving the way for increased collaboration.
Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson and SIT Chief Executive Bharat Guha have put pen to paper at SIT’s main Invercargill campus, creating a framework for both institutions to work together in areas that could include sharing expertise, resources, facilities, technology or teaching programmes.
“Strengthening linkages between the tertiary institutions in the lower South Island is important if we are to maximise the tertiary education opportunities for the communities we serve,” Grant says.
“Planning for the first tangible step in this direction is already well-advanced and will see Otago’s College of Education Invercargill operation re-locate to SIT’s main campus.”
The College will begin delivering its programmes there from the start of 2027, with academic leadership, curriculum, qualifications, and staff remaining with the University of Otago.
While Otago and SIT have collaborated previously on individual activities, the Statement of Intent is the first time a wide-ranging framework has been put in place.
It notes that particular opportunities could arise in academic programmes delivered out of Invercargill - where SIT is the lead tertiary provider for the Southland region – and in the Queenstown Lakes District where SIT is already established and the University is developing its presence.
“We know from our longstanding work in Dunedin with Otago Polytechnic that there is real value in collaboration across our sector,” Grant says.
“This Statement of Intent with SIT recognises that working together more closely creates potential for greater efficiencies in delivery and resource sharing.”
SIT Chief Executive Bharat Guha, an Otago alumnus, welcomes closer collaboration, beginning with the relocation of Otago’s Invercargill’s operation as the first step.
“We warmly welcome Otago University’s College of Education staff and students to SIT’s campus.
“They are not just changing locations, they’re joining a community of like-minded staff and students, where there will be new opportunities to forge friendships and take advantage of new resources.”
College of Education Dean Vivienne Anderson is looking forward to strengthening ties between Otago and SIT.
“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.”
The Statement of Intent does not commit Otago or SIT to spend money or make resources available in the first instance.