News 12 Mar – Students Get a Car, a Mock Funeral and Criticism

March 12th 2010 at 8:12am, By Dave Guerin

Student Giveaway Waiariki Institute of Technology has given away a car as part of a promotion to encourage students to pay their fees early. Roberto Mura won the prize and is pictured with Waiariki CEO Pim Borren (on the right). I think this may be the biggest prize ever given out as part of a tertiary education promotion – does anyone have any other suggestions?
Tertiary education reform Three stories in provincial papers provide useful feedback from the tertiary sector. The Waikato Times quotes general support for the reforms from Te Wananga o Aoteaora, Wintec and the University of Waikato, with concern from PTE ATC New Zealand. The Manawatu Standard has qualified support from UCOL and Massey, although Steve Maharey at Massey really should be supportive, as he tried the same thing as a Minister. Sunlive, a website, interviews Bay of Plenty Poly CEO Alan Hampton, who seems cautious about the changes.
NZUSA Attacked The Dominion Post has a stinging editorial about NZUSA’s approach today.
VSM Students at Massey University mourned the death of their students association, as part of a protest against VSM. (By the way, their opposition, Student Choice, have a website.)
Lincoln-Telford merger The ODT has another story, with union, business and local government reaction.
Aoraki Restructuring Aoraki Polytechnic is doing some restructuring - the first since the CEO, Kay Nelson, started last year.
Research Funding The government is funding four food research centres in what looks like an effective industry liaison and technology transfer strategy.
Rugby World Cup The Hospitality Standards Institute released a training package for the Rugby World Cup nyesterday, developed with industry and polytechnics.