Polytech boss warns over govt's proposed merger

The government is proposing a mass merger of the country's 16 polytechnics amid concerns about their financial stability and enrolment numbers. The new entity would also become responsible for on-the-job training and apprenticeships, a role currently filled by industry training organisations. The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation arranges training for all construction apprentices in New Zealand and currently has about 12,000 under its wing. Its chief executive Warwick Quinn told our reporter Matthew Theunissen the proposal could discourage employers from taking on apprentices.