Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology & Lincoln University forge new partnership
New Zealand’s main tertiary and research provider for the wine industry has teamed with a regional training institute to offer higher study opportunities within the country’s major wine producing region.
The joint venture between the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) and Lincoln University means that students who complete the two year Diploma in Viticulture and Wine Production at NMIT can gain two years credit toward a Bachelor’s degree through Lincoln University.
Students who chose to go on to the degree qualification will be able to finish their study programme in Marlborough, by completing papers delivered by Lincoln University at NMIT. Third-year students will also be able to take time out to participate in the annual vintage, to fulfil the practical requirements of Lincoln University’s Bachelor in Viticulture and Oenology.
Dr Chris Kirk, Lincoln University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, says the new study option is a direct response to industry requests for co-operation between research and training providers. “We’ve listened carefully to the needs of industry and come up with what we believe is a durable partnership that provides students and industry employers with a clear and continuing study pathway within the wine business. The beauty is that it provides ambitious students with the choice to study at a higher level within their regional educational facility while continuing to build a relationship with industry in New Zealand’s most important wine growing area.”
Dr Kirk says both providers are committed to promoting their respective programmes – to the benefit of the industry as a whole – and are working on new opportunities to offers short courses and certificates together.
“We’re delighted that we can now offer students the opportunity to staircase their training pathway, by advancing from a hands-on practical programme to a degree qualification and possibly to a career in research.”
NMIT’s Marlborough Manager, Dr Lily Belabun, says both partners are keen to establish a long term relationship. “Fundamentally this is about meeting the needs of industry. NMIT will be able to focus on the delivery of Levels 3 to 6 through the NMIT Certificate in Vineyard Practice and the NMIT Diploma, and Lincoln can focus on the delivery of Level 7 for those students who want to continue.”
“We know that the industry wants education and training providers to work together to provide programmes which are well connected, and we are confident that our partnership will strengthen Marlborough’s position within the New Zealand wine industry.
“We also anticipate a strengthening of our links with the Marlborough Wine Research Centre, which is continuing to attract attention from some of the world’s leading winemaker and wine industry specialists.”
Further information and enrolments into a Viticulture & Oenology programme is available through Student Services at Lincoln University, Phone 0800 10 60 10, or NMIT, Phone 0800 422 73.
Note: A reception to mark the new partnership will be held at the Nelson Marlborough Wine Research Centre theatre, Marlborough Institute of Technology, 85 Budge Street Blenheim, at 5pm on Thursday September 20. Media representatives are invited to attend – please RSVP to Jo Boekholt, Phone 03 578 0215.
About the Lincoln University Food and Wine Group
Lincoln University’s Food and Wine Group is New Zealand’s major provider of multi-disciplinary research and teaching for the wine industry. The Group has established collaborations campus-wide with specialists in commerce, marketing, tourism studies, ecology, soil science, plant physiology and wine and analytical chemistry.
About the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
The largest training provider in the upper South Island of New Zealand, NMIT provides vocational and academic programmes at certificate, diploma and degree level. NMIT’s Viticulture and Wine Science programmes are delivered through the Marlborough campus, which has its own on-site vineyard and winery, specialist lab facilities and strong links with the region’s viticulture industry. www.nmit.ac.nz
For more information please contact:
Dr Chris Kirk
Deputy Vice Chancellor
Lincoln University
Phone 0274 290 6019
Tony Gray
Chief Executive
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
Phone +64 3 578 0215