With Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) approaching independence in 2026, their agricultural campus, Telford, is celebrating this week over the return of the iconic Zero Fees Scheme, which has helped thousands of students achieve their qualification with minimal student debt.
SIT Operations Lead, Amanda Whitaker, said returning Zero Fees to Telford was important for the region, given its strong agricultural heritage and focus, and was proof that SIT was continuing with its longstanding reputation for making education accessible.
Ms Whitaker stated SIT was also aligning with Government priorities by focusing on primary industry training.
“We want to support all learners who are looking at a career in the primary industries; Zero Fees ensures that more young people have the opportunity of training within their reach, and costs associated are not a hindrance to gaining a recognised qualification.”
Ms Whitaker added that SIT is at the forefront of the ITP sector in reducing barriers to learning, whether it be Zero Fees, student support and pastoral care, or HyFlex delivery mode, providing the most flexible delivery of learning in New Zealand.
“SIT is future focused and having Zero Fees at Telford facilitates advancing the whole sector with work-ready graduates.”
Domestic students enrolling at Telford for 2026 are eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme on all Telford full-time courses. Popular choices include the Certificate in Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) (Sheep, Beef and Dairy) which leads to entry-level roles in the sector; some students stay for a second year so they can complete the Massey Diploma in Agriculture (Level 5), which can improve graduate career options, including farm management positions.
Head of Faculty, Hamish Small, said the announcement was very exciting news for Telford staff, who see firsthand the real benefits of reducing barriers to those wishing to look at the primary industries as a focused career option. “This will also further assist SIT and Telford in continuing to be a vocational education provider of choice nationally.”
Stakeholders were also very positive about the announcement. “Awesome news out of Telford,” said Telford Work Experience Farm Hosts, Hamish and Larissa Brown. They noted that the return of Zero Fees will open up the opportunity for more young people to get into farming. “We’ve hosted plenty of students here over the years – it’s great to see more backing for them and for the future of the farming sector.”
Similarly, Telford Farm Board Chair, Richard Young, said it was important for Telford to be able to secure the scheme for their students, “…hopefully we’ll be able to get a few more students through the door, experiencing what Telford has to offer.”
Linda Moore, CE of Clutha Development and stand-in Chair of Telford Advisory Group said the news was exciting for the Clutha district. “Telford is a real community asset for our region and supports the backbone of our farming sector.” She added that energy can now be directed into making sure Telford is a facility that meets the needs of future students, “to grow our sector and grow our farming industry”.
“We can embrace the future with confidence and move forward. Our community cares about Telford, and this is the best news we could possibly have.”