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Joining forces for clean energy and education

Two tertiary institutions are joining forces to support the transition to clean energy and improve accessibility to education in Taranaki.

University of Canterbury Tumu Whakarae Vice Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey and Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki Tumu Whakarae Chief Executive John Snook.

“We believe that by working together and sharing our knowledge and expertise we can be more effective at co-creating real solutions for the challenges ahead,” Professor De la Rey says. “Taranaki is an early adopter in the transition to clean energy, moving away from fossil fuel industries, and we are looking forward to playing a part in the region’s ambitious Taranaki 2050 Roadmap. This could be an example for the rest of Aotearoa to achieve carbon emission goals while providing equitable transitions and sustainable community development.”

The agreement brings opportunities for WITT students and the region, Snook says. “A key focus for WITT is to provide New Zealand with an Energy: Centre of Excellence, where innovation and sustainability in energy can be taught to students, allowing for the dramatic workforce transition asked of Aotearoa in the Net Zero Carbon Act.”

“The MOU with the University of Canterbury is a vital element to this challenge, as it allows for advanced research, teaching and learning to take place that benefits Taranaki and all of New Zealand. The Centre needs to attract full-time ‘energy’ workers into part-time education, full-time students into WITT’s Bachelor of Engineering, and those looking for a university qualification into a first year with WITT before proceeding to the likes of the University of Canterbury.”

The three-year agreement will encourage further co-operation in the areas of engineering and business at undergraduate and postgraduate level and will jointly develop courses that benefit the Taranaki community as the region moves away from fossil fuel industries.

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