The TEC firstly initiated an independent review at Lincoln University’s Telford Division as part of its regular monitoring activity. The review looked at a range of programmes delivered over a two-year period. The outcomes indicated that a deeper analysis was warranted. An investigation was then commissioned.

The findings of the investigation, published on the TEC website today, show that four of 10 programmes investigated were under-delivered against the conditions of their funding.

“One of the TEC’s core functions is to monitor the performance of the organisations that we fund and we have high expectations of them.  It’s vital the country has a high performing tertiary education sector that provides excellent outcomes for learners.  Monitoring is a ‘business as usual’ role for the TEC and we continue to enhance our monitoring functions to ensure student success and the sound stewardship of public money,” says TEC’s Chief Executive Tim Fowler.

Universities New Zealand’s Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) has determined that there are no grounds to withdraw approval for the programmes investigated, and students who have successfully completed the programmes will retain their qualification.

 “While CUAP considers that Lincoln University’s Telford Division has met their assessment requirements, the TEC has found that in some cases they have not delivered against the funding agreement they have with us” says Mr Fowler.

Tertiary education, training and research in the agricultural sector are critical for improving New Zealand’s productivity. “We’re committed to working closely with Lincoln University as they manage their ongoing challenges” says Mr Fowler.