Views on programme of dual development

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32874, 24 March 1972, Page 10

Views on programme of dual development

New Zealand should not attempt to embark on a programme of dual development of tertiary education similar to the rapid moves in this direction by Britain and more recently Australia, according to a report issued by the Advisory Council on Educational Planning.

The report is of a study by a working party on the possible establishment of a council for the award or con* : troi of national diplomas at technical institutes.

“The quite dramatic decisions in Australia and in Britain which led to the establishment of substantial num-

bers of institutions of higher education more or less competitive with universities were directly influenced by conditions in those countries non-existant in New Zealand,’’ the report says. A similar pattern of developments was not realistic for New Zealand. There was no need to establish a range of diplomas between the New Zealand Certificate issued by the Technicians’ Certification Authority, and the first degree level of universities.

“On the other hand, there is every reason to be openminded and to be prepared to develop tertiary education

at high levels in more than one type of establishment it there are advantages in doing so,” says the report. “It is considered that any such development should be progressive, evolutionary, and also highly selective as to the type of course of study ofc fered.” . , • Maximum use should be made of the existing facilities at New Zealand’s 12 technical institutes, the report says, rememberings at the same time that the future might • call for the development of an advanced institute of tech- ■ oology- i “These institutes of tech- ■ nology could well be expen- ■ sive institutions comparable • in costlines per student to the universities.” i “It is the desire to make ' use of what we have while > allowing for future and pro- - gressive change that is meant by the use of the tehn • ‘evolutionary policy’,” the • report says. > The time was not yet ripe r to consider setting up a new ' council for academic awards. ’ “However, there would api pear to be merit in the sug- ■ gestion that the Technicians* Certification Authority be > asked to review its constitu- . tion with a view to under--1 taking broader responsibiliti ies.”