Unitec gets recognised, fool.
Unitec beat competition from several polytechnics to be a finalist in two categories at the Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITP) awards on May 20. Unitec’s Global Entrepreneurship Monitor South programme was nominated for the global role category, and the newly-constructed Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae at the Mt Albert campus for integrated support services. The global role category honours polytechnics preparing New Zealanders to live and work in the wider world, or supporting the development of education in other countries. The innovative support services category recognises innovative non-teaching support services. ITP New Zealand Executive Director Dave Guerin says Unitec was chosen because of its work in taking programmes to the South Pacific. “It is an example of an institute walking the walk by encouraging development in other regions. It is not just teaching here in New Zealand. It is taking these programmes to other regions,” Mr Guerin added. Unitec’s Global Entrepreneurship Monitor South programme – headed by Professor Howard Frederick – monitors entrepreneurial activity in the Pacific. Funded by a research grant from the Australian Overseas Aid Agency, the research will lead to policy recommendations and training programmes to support fragile economies in the region. Speaking about the integrated support services category, he said Unitec was named because of it is inclusive of students. The marae’s construction philosophy and the fundraising support it generated were also key factors behind the nomination, he added. The winners will be announced on 10 June at ITP New Zealand’s 2009 conference, Skilling New Zealand’s Recovery, in Wellington. ITP New Zealand is the national association for New Zealand’s 20 institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITP).