Photo caption: University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey and Ara Institute of Canterbury Chief Executive Darren Mitchell.
Ara Institute of Canterbury and Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create clearer, more flexible pathways for students.
The partnership agreement establishes pre-approved pathways between Ara and UC qualifications, creating opportunities for a wider pool of talent. It is the first of its kind in New Zealand between a university and a polytechnic.
The initial arrangements will support students transferring from UC’s Engineering First Year into Ara’s Bachelor of Engineering Technology with cross-credit recognition. They will also provide a pathway for New Zealand Diploma in Engineering graduates to progress into UC’s Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.
The pathways are intended to reduce unnecessary duplication and case-by-case assessment, while maintaining academic standards, professional requirements and accreditation expectations.
UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey says the agreement demonstrates what can be achieved when tertiary institutions work together around the needs of learners.
“UC and Ara have distinct but complementary strengths. This partnership shows what is possible when tertiary institutions work together to create clearer pathways while maintaining the academic rigour and professional standards engineering demands,” Professor de la Rey says.
“Beyond these initial pathways, the agreement creates a strong foundation for wider collaboration across education, research and workforce development, delivering long-term benefits for learners and the Canterbury region.”
Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau Chief Executive Dr Richard Templer welcomed the new approach.
“As New Zealand continues to experience an engineering skills shortfall, it's really encouraging to see Ara and the University of Canterbury working together to provide students with greater flexibility to continue their engineering education and pursue an engineering career. We congratulate both institutions on this new approach and hope it encourages similar partnerships in other regions.”
The partnership supports the long-term development of Canterbury and New Zealand’s engineering workforce by creating more flexible routes into the profession and helping people continue building on their existing engineering education and experience.
The MoU establishes a five-year framework for closer collaboration between Ara and UC. Alongside the new engineering pathways, it creates opportunities to explore future collaboration in areas including Health, the Creative Arts and Education, as well as research, staff development and joint responses to regional and national workforce needs.
The agreement was signed at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in the presence of Minister for Tertiary Education Hon Penny Simmonds.
The new engineering pathways take effect from today, with current and future students able to discuss their options with programme advisers at UC and Ara.
