With local decision-making restored and new study pathways taking shape, Southland leaders say SIT is well positioned to support the region’s workforce, industries and future growth.
There is a renewed sense of purpose and energy across Southland as the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) settles into a new chapter as an independent institution once again.
For Minister for Tertiary Education and MP for Invercargill, Hon Penny Simmonds, and Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell, SIT's return to local autonomy is more than an organisational change. It is a milestone that secures the future of one of Southland's most important institutions and restores local decision-making to the community it serves.
Minister Simmonds, who led SIT as Chief Executive from 1997 to 2020 and more recently helped reshape the vocational education system, said SIT has emerged from a challenging period with renewed confidence and purpose.
"It is great to see SIT back out on the national and world stage promoting our region as a safe and welcoming place to study, work and live," she said.
"… [SIT] is rebuilding its international presence, reconnecting with local industry and the wider community, and once again being able to focus on what it does best, delivering education and training that responds to the needs of Invercargill and Southland."
Minister Simmonds said strong community ownership was critical to the region's future.
"Having a regional polytechnic with strong community ownership is extremely important, particularly for local businesses and industries. Knowing that the local polytechnic can be nimble, make decisions locally and adapt to the needs of the community will make a real difference in supporting the growth of Invercargill and Southland as a whole."
She said SIT helps attract people to the region, supports the workforce and creates opportunities for young Southlanders. "I think I am most proud of the level of community support that stood alongside SIT throughout those difficult years, and the way that support continued when SIT regained its independence."
"Seeing Kelvin Street transformed into Graduation Lane as Southland celebrated the return of the Southern Institute of Technology to its community remains one of the highlights of my career.
"It was a very visible reminder of what SIT means to Southland. This was never about change for change's sake, it was about returning local decision-making, identity and ownership to an institution that has been built up and supported by this community over decades."
Mayor Tom Campbell agreed, describing SIT's independence as a major win for Invercargill and Southland.
"Over the past 25 years the wellbeing of Invercargill has become intimately tied to the wellbeing of SIT," he said. "The restoration of SIT independence is very good news for Invercargill."
Mayor Campbell believes SIT will be critical to developing the workforce needed for Southland's future economy.
"A flourishing SIT is essential to attract and develop the workforce qualified to work in those new businesses, or indeed to have the entrepreneurial energy start those up."
He said SIT was well positioned for continued success.
"SIT has a great leadership team with the ambition and energy to grow the organisation to become an ever more important part of our city’s future. We look forward to continuing to work together to build that future."
That focus on the future is already underway in SIT’s expanding academic offering, with new and refreshed programmes creating further study and training opportunities across a range of sectors.
Launched in 2026 are the New Zealand Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Master of Nursing Science, while the Master of Applied Management* has been refreshed to include contemporary papers and formal internship opportunities.
Also awaiting approval are Te Ata Māhina Bachelor of Social Work*, New Zealand Diploma in Whānau Ora*, Graduate Diploma in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI)* and
two micro-credentials, General English for Speakers of Other Languages Levels 2 and 4*.
Telford is expanding its agricultural offering with the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Farming) Level 3*, New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Farming) Level 4*, and New Zealand Certificate in Wool Technology and Classing*, supporting specialist skills in the wool industry.
SIT Online is introducing the New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety Practice.
And secondary school students will also have new pathways to explore in 2027, with Aquaculture, Plumbing, and Sport & Exercise added to CareerStart (formerly STAR), and Architecture, Aquaculture, and Integrated Trades Skills added to Murihiku Tertiary Academy.
*Subject to NZQA approval