The dawning of a new educational era will be officially commemorated on Friday July 8.
Deputy Prime Minister and MP for Clutha-Southland, Hon Bill English, will unveil a plaque to commemorate the transition of what was formerly Telford Rural Polytechnic to Telford - a Division of Lincoln University.
The merger of the two institutions was announced last November and took effect on 1st January 2011.
Lincoln University Chancellor Tom Lambie says he’s delighted Telford has become a division of New Zealand’s specialist land-based university.
“Having Telford in the fold offers many new possibilities in training for land-based industries,” says Mr Lambie. “It means vertical integration can encompass all aspects of the agricultural and land-based sector provision and supply chain, from secondary school, sub-degree and undergraduate teaching, to postgraduate research, commercialisation and extension activities with industry.”
The former Chair of Council of Telford, David Yardley, says both institutions now have many new options. “Together, we have the potential to generate a more co-ordinated and integrated land-based education, in keeping with national education strategies and goals.”
The Hon Bill English will unveil the plaque on-site at Telford at 11am on Friday July 8.