The Southland community has welcomed the Government’s announcement for Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) to operate as an independent vocational education tertiary provider from 1 January 2026.
This significant development empowers SIT to shape its own future, further strengthen its connection with local communities, and tailor its programmes to better meet the needs of learners and industry in the Southland region.
Daryl Haggerty, SIT Operations Lead said the community was strongly supportive of SIT’s goal to regain its autonomy, and they expressed this through writing submissions, attending meetings and voicing their preference for an independent SIT during the VET consultation phase.
“The shift to autonomy is a momentous step forward,” Mr Haggerty said. “We’re thrilled to regain our independence, and we know our community and industries will welcome this announcement as much as we do. This milestone recognises the high quality of our institute and our staff, the dedication of our learners, and the strength of our links with our community, industry and iwi.”
Being independent will enable SIT to provide more opportunities to students, break down barriers, and deliver easier access to tertiary education through SIT’s iconic Zero Fees Scheme, its visionary HyFlex delivery mode, and its well-recognised, successful online SIT2LRN programmes.
“We now have greater flexibility to innovate, respond more directly to local needs, and preserve the unique identity that makes SIT so special,” he said.
The institute was also planning a campaign to strengthen its international partnerships and attract more overseas students to Southland to study at SIT and support the local workforce as skilled graduates.
SIT was working towards increasing student numbers in the Government’s priority areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), Health, Construction, and Food and Fibre, and providing more support for Māori, Pasifika and disadvantaged learners.
“We’re excited about the possibilities this opens up for SIT and the wider region,” said SIT’s Community Advisor, Chris Ramsay.
“Southland needs many skilled employees for the large regional projects underway or in the planning. For example, we have two large data centres underway, as well as the Awarua Quadrant Calder Stewart development, silicon industry and new solar and wind farm developments which are all in the planning stages.”
“This is more than just a structural change—it’s a chance for SIT to become a stronger, more responsive institution to support the future of Murihiku Southland,” Mr Ramsay stated.
As it embarks on this new chapter, SIT remains more committed than ever to high-quality education, inclusive access for learners, strong regional development connections, and increasing numbers of international students.