An East Coast school principal says the region's economy should substantially benefit from a merger of the polytechs in Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
Eastern Institute of Technology in Napier and Tairawhiti Polytech in Gisborne have started the new year under one umbrella, following government approval in December to merge.
Nori Parata, of Tolaga Bay Area School, says students have the chance to enrol in seven new courses in Gisborne.
With high unemployment in the region, especially among young Maori, she says the new fashion design and nursing courses will definitely appeal to Maori students - boosting their chance of getting a job and contributing to the local economy.
