News 8/7 – Glass School Closure? Metros’ Big New Idea.

July 8th 2010 at 9:05am, By Dave Guerin

Metros’ New Idea The Metro ITP are formally launching their Innovation New Zealand network - I’ll write a full post on it later this morning.
Food Miles University of Otago researchers have found that, while food miles are of concern to the UK public, the belief does not translate into action in the supermarket aisles.
Wanganui Glass School The Wanganui District Council wants UCOL to allocate 40, not 24, EFTS to its Glass School, which has been supported by the Council (and from memory, a gas company) since UCOL threatened to close it a few years ago. Steven Joyce seemed to get roped into a meeting about it and has promised to “lean” on TEC to discuss the issue with UCOL (expect some public gnashing of teeth about that). Oddly, the Minister suggested that they set up a PTE, but it would be hard to get funding under the current regime.
Massey High Fashion There are some great shots here of Massey University’s fashion design show, from their Wellington campus. Really, check out the shots, as there is some great stuff.
Small Fire There was a small fire at the University of Auckland’s O’Rorke Hall yesterday.
Allowances The Dom-Post has a story on last week’s MOE report on allowances - for my take on this year’s figures, check this out.
Debating Win It was an all-NZ Australasian debating final according to yesterday’s University of Auckland media release (Auckland and Victoria), but my Facebook network told me Vic won.
Health Shared Services A new health shared services agency will be set up – the relevance to ED Blog is that Unitec Council Chair Ted van Arkel will chair the new body, and similar groups have been proposed in education.
Whangarei Rally NorthTec automative students volunteered at the recent International Rally of Whangarei.
IT Lab WelTec has opened a new IT lab.
Identity A Uni of Auckland professor is in the news about identity fraud (he’s studying it).
Otago CornerThe University of Otago has signed a deal with Tsinghua University, one of China’s top two universities, while one of their archaeology students is studying drainage pipes. Accommodation for up to 500 SIT students and staff is planned in Queenstown, although SIT itself is looking at about 60 beds at this stage.