30 November 2009 Lincoln University Chancellor launches new diploma at Taratahi

The Chancellor of Lincoln University, Tom Lambie, opened a new state-of-the-art engineering workshop at Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre on Friday (27th November), as the two tertiary education providers officially launched an exciting new study option. Thanks to a ground-breaking partnership with Lincoln University, Taratahi will be offering the Lincoln University Diploma in Agriculture from 2010. This will have major benefits for students looking for sub-degree study options in agriculture.

Wairarapa MP John Hayes and the region's mayors, Garry Daniell, Gary McPhee and Adrienne Staples, mingled with local school teachers and farmers and representatives from Young Farmers, Agriculture ITO and Meat and Wool NZ . Lincoln University and Taratahi staff and alumni were also present to witness what Jim Law, Chairman of Taratahi's Board of Trustees, referred to as a "historic day for Taratahi."

The Level 5 Regional Diploma will be available through Taratahi's Wairarapa base, as well as its campus in Stratford, Taranaki. This will provide exciting, and essential, options for further part-time study: both for students graduating from Taratahi, and for those in the workforce who wish to up skill at an advanced level. The diploma also stays true to Taratahi's trademark hands-on focus - it includes twelve weeks of practical work .

Access to higher level agricultural education at the sub-degree level has for many, up until now, only been available on a full time, on-campus basis. Now Taratahi can offer a part time, regional programme that makes advanced study a viable option . The diploma also meets the need for a pathway towards a first degree in agriculture.

"We're thrilled about this new partnership with Lincoln University," said Donovan Wearing, Taratahi's Chief Executive Officer. "It's critical for everyone involved in the rural sector that high quality, flexible agricultural training is available at a higher level. Taratahi and Lincoln are committed to making this happen - and we believe that our new partnership is the best possible way forward for everyone involved."

Tom Lambie, Lincoln University Chancellor, spent the day on campus meeting students and having a good look around Taratahi before opening the hi-tech engineering workshop.

Boasting eight welding bays, the workshop gives the students both the space and equipment to work on projects such as building dog trailers and fixing motorbikes.

"One of the joys of being Chancellor is that I get to do jobs like this," said Mr Lambie, before going on to speak about Lincoln's partnership with Taratahi. "It's something amazing, something that's great ... 200 - 250 students next year will be doing an incredibly
good diploma that's available on a national basis. The facilities here are quite amazing: one of the tests is when you're talking to the students and asking them if they enjoy the environment. And they do!"

Paul McGill, local farmer, Lincoln graduate, Taratahi advocate and 2010 Nuffield scholar, agreed.

'The biggest part of what makes education is the people. I look at Taratahi, both the board and the staff: it's the people that make it, you can see the growth."

Wairarapa MP John Hayes was also delighted to see Taratahi, the "unsung business of the Wairarapa", go from strength to strength.

"This linkage with Lincoln is really important, it puts Wairarapa on the map for professional agricultural training," said Mr Hayes. "It is just brilliant."

This new study opportunity is further proof that Taratahi is leading the way in shaping the future of rural training in New Zealand. Earlier this year, Taratahi brought together senior stakeholders in the agriculture industry at a National Seminar in Wellington. The aim was to discuss the rural sector's increasing demand for a highly skilled, well-qualified workforce at every level. Delegates resolved to develop closer partnerships in response to this need: Taratahi's new relationship with Lincoln University does exactly that.